SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
Senior Division, No. 298, Fourth Quarter, 1969
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"Set apart a little time each day for study of the Sabbath School lesson."—
Counsels to Parents ,Teachers, and Students,
page 137.
"Let the Sabbath School lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the
lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week
on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus
the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."
—Education,
pages 251, 252.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath
School lesson each day of the week.
Nano
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Christ, the Author and the Theme of Scripture.
2.
The Inspiration of the Scriptures.
3.
Searching the Scriptures.
4.
The Two Books of God.
5.
The Sure Word of Prophecy.
6.
The Historical Bible.
7.
Conditional Prophecy.
8.
Prophecies Concerning Israel—I.
9.
Prophecies Concerning Israel—II.
10.
Treasures New and Old.
11.
Responsibilities of Bible Study.
12.
The Scriptures and My Life.
13.
Triumph of the Scriptures.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 298, Oct.-Dec., 1969. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
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Copyright, 1969, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
A Series of Sabbath School Lessons Dealing With
The Holy Scriptures, Their Study, Meaning, and Application
"And I will give unto thee the keys of
the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 16:19.
"'The keys of the kingdom of heaven are the words of Christ. All the words
of Holy Scripture are His, and are here included. These words have power to
open and to shut heaven."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 413.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Keys to Bible Study
During this quarter we shall discuss the
theme, "The Holy Scriptures, their study,
meaning, and application." How can we
get the most spiritual benefit and enjoy-
ment out of reading God's Word? Let us
think of the Scriptures as a storehouse full
of valuable treasures. In order to open up
the treasure-house and find access to the
priceless gems of truth, the Bible student
must have in his possession certain keys.
These may be labeled as follows:
1.
Spiritual sense of "sight" and "hear-
ing."
The student must come to the Bible
prayerfully, with open eyes to observe and
a willing spirit to be taught the truth. He
should study the context of each scripture,
know the essential geographical and his-
torical connections related to the different
passages, and as far as possible be ac-
quainted with the writer and his biograph-
ical background. So that the words of the
prophets in the Scriptures may be under-
stood, careful study should also be given
as to whether there should be a past, pres-
ent, or future application made of the text.
Each scripture should always be compared
with other scripture. If the student does
this, then with sensitive spiritual "ears" he
may "hear"—that is, become aware of—
what the Spirit of truth has for him
personally in the passage before him.
2.
Good judgment.
The Bible student should carefully weigh
the evidence of each paragraph. Is it his-
torical in nature or prophetic? literal or
symbolic? He must also seek to ascertain
what the inspired writer had in mind.
What did the text mean to him and what
does it mean to us today?
3.
Good sense of values.
The student should see each gem in the
treasure-house of truth in relation to the
others, the part in relation to the whole.
Where does it belong in the whole plan of
redemption? No Bible truth has value ex-
cept as related to Christ and the whole
truth of the gospel.
4.
Good "heart" sense.
What will
I
do with this truth? What is
it worth to me? How can I apply it to
my own heart? What duty does it point
out to me? All Bible study is meant to
benefit the seeker for truth himself as well
as the whole church.
5.
Good sense of obligation.
Gems are of value to all, not simply to
the miner himself. So the truth discovered
must be shared. How to communicate the
light received should become a subject for
study. Gems of truth shared with others
encourage the quest to discover more and
still more of the jewels of the Lord.
Scripture references to NEB are from
The New English Bible,
copyright by The
Delegates of the Oxford University Press
and the Syndics of the Cambridge Uni-
versity Press, 1961. Used by permission of
the Cambridge University Press, Inc., New
York City.
References to Phillips are from
The New
Testament in Modern English,
copyright
by J. B. Phillips, 1958. Used by permission
of the Macmillan Company.
[3]
Lesson 1, for October 4, 1969
Christ, the Author and the Theme of Scripture
MEMORY VERSE:
"Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal
life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 413, 414; "Fundamentals of Christian
Education," pages 308, 381-389; "Steps to Christ," chapter, "A Knowledge of
God"; "SDA Bible Dictionary," pages 144, 1152; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To find the central theme of the Old and New Testament revelations;
and to discover how Christ regarded the Old Testament Scriptures in relation
to Himself and to His mission to the world.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Author and Theme of Scripture
1.
The word of Christ, the source
of truth. Col. 3:16 (first part).
2.
Christ speaks through the prophets.
1 Peter 1:10-12.
3.
Old Testament Scriptures testified
of Christ. John 5:39.
II. His Knowledge of the Scriptures
4.
His knowledge foretold. Isa. 11:1-3.
5.
His respect for God's Word
foretold. Ps. 40:7, 8.
6.
His weapon in temptation.
Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.
7.
His Word is powerful. Heb. 4:12.
8. His prophets speak with power.
Hosea 6:5.
III. His Reverence for the Old
Testament
9. He taught with certainty.
Luke 4:32 ; Matt. 7:29.
10. He amplified God's revealed will.
Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 38, 39, 43, 44.
11. He pointed men to the Scriptures.
Matt. 21:42 (first part) ; Luke
10:26.
IV. His Use of the Scriptures
12. He recognized man's need.
John 3:19-21; 1:9-11, 5.
13. He spoke through all the prophets.
Luke 24:25-27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"From the promise given to Adam, down
through the patriarchal line and the legal
economy, heaven's glorious light made plain
the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld
the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come,
as future things swept before them in
mysterious procession. In every sacrifice
Christ's death was shown. In every cloud
of incense His righteousness ascended. By
every jubilee trumpet His name was
sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy
of holies His glory dwelt."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 211, 212.
4
The Author and Theme
of Scripture
1. What admonition did Paul give
the church at Colosse? Col. 3:16 (first
part). Compare John
5:24;
2 Thess.
3:1.
NoTE.—The Biblical expressions, "The
word of Christ," "My word," "The word
of the Lord," all refer to God's message
made known to men. Through His Spirit,
Christ is the Author of this Word, speak-
ing to us through the prophets. The Bible
is the Word of God in the language of
men, even as Christ was the Word "made
flesh." John 1:14. In His divine-human
form He is "God's thought made visible,
audible, and intelligible to human beings,
particularly with respect to His infinite
purpose that all men should find salvation."
—SDA Bible Dictionary,
on "Word," page
1152.
2.
With whose Spirit were the Old
Testament prophets imbued? 1 Peter
1:10-12.
NorE.—The prophets' teachings harmo-
nize because there is only one Author
speaking through them all. The New Testa-
ment writers quote liberally from the Old
Testament (1) to show the fulfillment of
certain Old Testament passages in the per-
son and ministry of Christ, in events in
the nation of Israel, in the reception of the
gospel by Gentiles, and in the development
of the Christian church; (2) to make plain
the plan of redemption prefigured in the
Old Testament and now made real by the
blood of Christ; (3) to reinforce truths of
eternal consequence taught clearly in the
Old Testament, largely forgotten or mis-
understood, now strengthened by New
Testament teaching.
3.
What is the great central theme
of Old Testament Scriptures? John
5:39.
His Knowledge of the Scriptures
4.
What did Isaiah predict con-
cerning the spirit that was to rest
upon Christ? Isa. 11:1-3. Compare
Luke 2:41-49.
NOTE.—"And all who heard Him were
amazed at His intelligence and the an-
swers He gave." Luke 2:47, NEB.
"Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures
from beginning to end, and He presented
them in their true import."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 85.
During the days of Jesus' youthful con-
flict and throughout His earthly life God's
Word was His guide. "To every temptation
He had one answer, 'It is written.'
"—
Ibid.,
p. 88. Jesus' every thought and ac-
tion were in harmony with the Scriptures.
To this familiarity with God's Word may
be traced in large measure His great wis-
dom, understanding, and power.
5.
What prophecy pinpointed
Christ's relationship to the revealed
will of God? Ps. 40:7, 8. Compare Ps.
119:9-11; Heb. 10:5-7; Luke 24:44, 45.
NOTE.—The expression "the law of
Moses" in Luke 24:44 refers to God's mes-
sage to man recorded in the Pentateuch, the
first five books of the Old Testament.
Frequently in Scripture this is abbreviated
to "the law," which the Bible writers—as
in Psalm 40:7, 8—also use in a general
sense to refer to all of God's will as re-
vealed in the Old Testament.
"The Child Jesus did not receive in-
struction in the synagogue schools. His
mother was His first human teacher. From
her lips and from the scrolls of the proph-
ets, He learned of heavenly things. The
very words which He Himself had spoken
to Moses for Israel He was now taught at
His mother's knee. As He advanced from
childhood to youth, He did not seek the
schools of the rabbis. He needed not the
education to be obtained from such sources;
for God was His instructor."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 70.
6.
When Jesus faced temptation,
what weapon did He use? Matt. 4:1-
11; Luke 4:1-13. Compare Eph. 6:
11-13, 17 (last part).
NOTE.—"Jesus met Satan with the words
of Scripture. 'It is written,' He said. In
every temptation the weapon of His war-
fare was the Word of God. Satan demanded
of Christ a miracle as a sign of His di-
vinity. But that which is greater than all
miracles, a firm reliance upon a 'Thus saith
the Lord,' was a sign that could not be
controverted. So long as Christ held to this
position, the tempter could gain no ad-
vantage."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 120.
7.
To what is the Word of God
compared? Heb. 4:12.
[5]
NOTE.—"Practical truth must be brought
into the life, and the Word, like a sharp,
two-edged sword, must cut away the sur-
plus of self that there is in our characters."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 928.
8.
What did God say He had done
"by the prophets," and what had been
the effect of God's words? Hosea 6:5.
NOTE.—"The figure is that of hard stone
or wood to which, by hewing, the right
shape is given, and obdurate Israel is con-
ceived of as having been subjected to such
treatment for its good through the objur-
gations [reproofs] of the prophets."—
Lange's Commentary,
on Hosea 6:5.
His Reverence for the
Old Testament
9.
What was the reaction of the
people to Christ's teaching? Luke 4:
32; Matt. 7:29.
NoTE.—"The rabbis spoke with doubt
and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might
be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly
the opposite. The hearers were daily in-
volved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus
taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable
authority. Whatever His subject, it was
presented with power, as if His words
could not be controverted."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 253.
10.
In His Sermon on the Mount,
how did Jesus magnify and amplify
Old Testament instruction? Matt. 5:
21, 22, 27, 28, 38, 39, 43, 44.
NoTE.—"His mission was to 'magnify the
law, and make it honorable.' Isaiah 42:21.
He was to show the spiritual nature of the
law, to present its far-reaching principles,
and to make plain its eternal obligation."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 49.
[
11.
In His teaching ministry, what
questions did Jesus ask? Matt. 21:42
(first part); Luke 10:26.
NoTE.—Jesus always pointed to the Old
Testament Scriptures as authoritative. His
probing questions were stimulants—as if
He were saying, "The truth is in the
Scriptures if you will search for it dili-
gently. As you read, listen to God's Word
speaking to you. Do not get into the habit
of skimming the surface. Dig deep."
His Use of the Scriptures
12.
What was man's reaction when
light came into the world? John 3:19-
21; 1:9-11, 5. Compare Rom. 1:21, 25.
NOTE.—"Men had well-nigh ceased to
discern God in His works. The sinfulness
of humanity had cast a pall over the fair
face of creation; and instead of manifest-
ing God, His works became a barrier that
concealed Him. Men 'worshiped and served
the creature more than the Creator.' Thus
the heathen 'became vain in their imagina-
tions, and their foolish heart was darkened.'
Rom. 1:25, 21. So in Israel, man's teaching
had been put in the place of God's. Not
only the things of nature, but the sacri-
ficial service and the Scriptures them-
selves—all given to reveal God—were so
perverted that they became the means of
concealing Him.
"Christ sought to remove that which
obscured the truth. The veil that sin has
cast over the face of nature, He came to
draw aside, bringing to view the spiritual
glory that all things were created to re-
flect. His words placed the teachings of
nature as well as of the Bible in a new
aspect, and made them a new revelation."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 18, 19.
13.
How thorough and broad was
Christ's use of the Scriptures? Luke
24:25-27.
NOTE.—"Beginning at Moses, the very
Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in
all
the Scriptures the things concerning
Himself. Had He first made Himself known
to them, their hearts would have been sat-
isfied. In the fullness of their joy they
would have hungered for nothing more.
But it was necessary for them to under-
stand the witness borne, to Him by the
types and prophecies of the Old Testament.
Upon these their faith must be established.
Christ performed no miracle to convince
them, but it was His first work to explain
the Scriptures. They had looked upon His
death as the destruction of all their hopes.
Now He showed from the prophets that
this was the very strongest evidence for
their faith.
"In teaching these disciples, Jesus showed
the importance of the Old Testament as a
witness to His mission. Many professed
Christians now discard the Old Testament,
claiming that it is no longer of any use.
But such is not Christ's teaching. So
highly did He value it that at one time
He said, 'If they hear not Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be persuaded,
though one rose from the dead.' Luke 16:31.
"It is the voice of Christ that speaks
through patriarchs and prophets, from the
days of Adam even to the closing scenes
of
time."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 796-
799.
Lesson 2, for October 11, 1969
The Inspiration of the Scriptures
MEMORY VERSE:
"All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages v-xii; "Selected Messages," Bk. 1,
pp. 19-23, 25, 26; "Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 449; Vol. 5, p. 747; "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY'AIM: To seek to discover in the Bible itself a basis for faith in it as an
inspired revelation of God's truth.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Early Revelations of God to Man
1.
Face-to-face communion.
Gen. 1:27-29; 2:15-17.
2.
Sin hid God's face from man.
Gen. 3:1-6.
3.
Earliest written revelation.
John 1:17 (first part).
II. How God's Book Came to Man
4.
The prophets speak for God.
Amos 3:7; Heb. 1:1.
5.
Oral messages. Ezek. 40:2-4 ;
44:4-6.
6.
Written messages. Rev. 1:10, 11.
7. Source of prophetic utterances.
Jer. 2:2 ; Ezek. 6:1, 2.
8. Prophetic writings called
"Scriptures." 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
9. God's message to be given to men.
2 Tim. 4:1, 2.
III. Inspired Nature of the Book
10. Its source. 2 Tim. 3:16 (first part).
11. Its results. 2 Tim. 3:15;
1 Peter 1:23.
IV. Dimensions of God's Book
12. Four profitable dimensions.
2 Tim. 3:16 (last part).
13. Study leads to perfection.
2 Tim. 3:17.
14. Provides safeguards.
Ps. 119:11, 104.
71
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The Bible points to God as its author;
yet it was written by human hands; and in
the varied style of its different books it
presents the characteristics of the several
writers. The truths revealed are all 'given
by inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16) ;
yet they are expressed in the words of men.
The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has
shed light into the minds and hearts of
His servants. He has given dreams and
visions, symbols and figures; and those to
whom the truth was thus revealed, have
themselves embodied the thought in human
language.
"The Ten Commandments were spoken
by God Himself, and were written by His
own hand. They are of divine, and not of
human composition. But the Bible, with its
God-given truths expressed in the language
of men, presents a union of the divine with
the human. Such a union existed in the
nature of Christ, who was the Son of God
and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the
Bible, as it was of Christ, that 'the Word
was made flesh, and dwelt among us.'
John
1:14."—The Great Controversy,
In-
troduction, pages v, vi.
"The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted
as an authoritative, infallible revelation of
His will. They are the standard of char-
acter, the revealer of doctrines, and the
test of experience."—/bid., p. vii.
Early Revelations of God to Man
1.
How did God communicate with
man in Eden? Gen. 1:27-29; 2:15-17.
NorE.—The Creator spoke to Adam and
Eve face to face, instructing them con-
cerning His will. "The holy pair were
not only children under the fatherly care
of God but students receiving instruction
from the all-wise Creator. They were
visited by angels, and were granted com-
munion with their Maker, with no obscur-
ing veil
between."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 50.
2.
What broke the face-to-face com-
munion between God and man? Gen.
3:1-6. Compare Isa. 59:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Before the entrance of sin,
Adam enjoyed open communion with his
Maker; but since man separated himself
from God by transgression, the human race
has been cut off from this high privilege.
By the plan of redemption, however, a way
has been opened whereby the inhabitants
of the earth may still have connection with
heaven. God has communicated with men
by His Spirit, and divine light has been
imparted to the world by revelations to
His chosen servants. 'Holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost.' 2 Peter
1:21."—The Great Con-
troversy,
Introduction, page v.
3.
By whose hand was "the law,"
or earliest written revelation of God's
will, given to men? John 1:17 (first
part).
NorE.—"The preparation of the Written
Word began in the time of Moses. Inspired
revelations were then embodied in an in-
spired Book. This work continued during
the long period of sixteen hundred years—
from Moses, the historian of creation and
the law, to John, the recorder of the most
sublime truths of the gospel."—The
Great
Controversy,
Introduction, page v.
How God's Book Came to Man
4.
What human instrumentalities
has God used to communicate with
man? Amos 3:7; Heb. 1:1.
5.
In what manner did Ezekiel re-
ceive instruction from God? Ezek. 40:
2-4; 44:4-6.
6.
How was John instructed to com-
municate the light he received? Rev.
1:10, 11.
NoTE.—The Scriptures teach that the
Lord's messages were communicated to the
[8
I
prophets in visions and dreams. (Num.
12:6). These revelations were then em-
bodied in human language and communi-
cated to the people. The truths received
were sometimes spoken, sometimes written.
Note the following phrases:
"spoken
of
by Daniel the prophet" (Matt. 24:15) ;
"spoken
of the Lord by the prophet"
(Matt. 1:22) ; "things which are
written
may be fulfilled" (Luke 21:22) ; "Moses in
the law, and the prophets, did
write"
(John
1:45).
7.
Whom did prophets acknowl-
edge as the source of their messages to
the people? Jer. 2:2; Ezek. 6:1, 2.
NOTE.—God's prophetic messengers de-
clared to Israel that the "word of the
Lord" came to them (Micah 1:1; Zech. 8:
1, et cetera), and it was this divine word
or message—not their own—which they
communicated to the people. If the word
or message was rejected, it was said that
the people had "despised the word of the
Holy One of Israel." Isa. 5:24. Indeed, to
reject God's word through His prophet
was equivalent to rejecting the Lord Him-
self. 1 Sam. 8:1-10.
8.
In what category did Peter place
Paul's writings? 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
NoTE.—Different terms are used in the
Bible to designate "the Word of the Lord."
It is called the "Scripture" or "Scriptures"
some fifty times in the New Testament.
The word
Bible
is a term frequently em-
ployed today when referring to the Scrip-
tures, but this word is not actually used in
the text of our English Bible. It derives
from the Greek word
biblia,
which means
"little books." The Bible is a collection of
sacred books, a complete collection of es-
sential spiritual knowledge.
9.
What solemn charge did Paul
give to Timothy? 2 Tim. 4:1, 2. Com-
pare 1 Peter 1:25 (last part).
NOTE.—"Preach the word," said Paul to
the young minister, Timothy. In apostolic
days God's "Word," or message to men as
recorded in the Old Testament canon of
Scriptures, was the inspired point of refer-
ence in preaching the gospel of salvation
through Christ. The entire Bible, as we
know it today, did not exist when Paul's
letters to Timothy were written. The New
Testament writings appeared during the
first century AD., and soon came to be
recognized by Christians as equally in-
spired with the Old Testament.
Inspired Nature of the Book
10.
What does Paul say about the
"inspiration" of the Scriptures? 2 Tim.
3:16 (first part).
NOTE.—"Inspiration of God" suggests the
divine origin of the Scriptures. "Inspiration
of God" means literally, "God breathed."
The actual impartation of the divine reve-
lation of truth came to the prophet under
the Spirit's guidance and control. See Num.
12:6; Hosea 12:10; Rev. 1:10. The com-
munication to the people of the light re-
ceived by the prophet, was also directed
by the Holy Spirit. See 2 Peter 1:21;
Rev. 1:2, 11.
The Spirit of God also operates to aid
the reader in his study of the truth thus
revealed (John 14:26; 15:26). But this
kind of Spirit-aided guidance, or illumi-
nation, is not equivalent to prophetic in-
spiration.
11.
What great benefits accrue from
the sincere study of God's Book?
2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 1:23.
Dimensions of God's Book
12.
Name four "profitable" dimen-
sions of the Bible. 2 Tim. 3:16 (last
part).
NoTE.—Four dimensions of the Bible
mentioned by Paul satisfy four specific
areas of man's spiritual and intellectual
need. God's Word is "profitable" for:
(1)
doctrine,
that is, imparting knowledge
about the teachings of the Christian faith;
(2)
reproof,
that is, reprimanding sin and
censuring unlawful acts; (3)
correction,
[ 9 ]
that is, refuting perverted and erroneous
teaching; (4)
instruction,
that is, "resetting
the direction of a man's life and training
him in good living." Phillips.
13. Through the instruction of the
Scriptures, to what heights of spiritual
experience may men attain? 2 Tim.
3:17. Compare Eph. 4:13-15.
NOTE.-"As
a child is taught the basic
responsibilities of manhood, so the Chris-
tian finds in the Scriptures,,those principles
that will help hirC..t.Qz27 up)to the 'per-
fect man, unto the meastre
-
ol the stature
of the fullness of Christ' (Eph. 4:13).
This process of growing up to be like
Christ is known as sanctification, a training
that continues throughout life."-SDA
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 3:16.
14. What safeguards are presented
in God's Word? Ps. 119:11, 104.
NoTE.-"Every promise in God's Word is
ours. 'By every word that proceedeth out
of the mouth of God' are we to live.
When assailed by temptation, look not to
circumstances or to the weakness of self,
but to the power of the Word. All its
strength is yours. 'Thy Word,' says the
psalmist, 'have I hid in mine heart, that
I might not sin against thee.' 'By the word
of thy lips I have kept me from the paths
of the destroyer.' Ps. 119:11;
17:4."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 123.
Lesson 3, for October 18, T969
Searching the Scriptures
MEMORY VERSE:
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scrip-
tures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 185-192; "Early Writings," page 88; "Gospel
Workers," pages 302, 303, 152; "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 650, 651, 692;
Vol. 5, p. 708; Vol. 6, p. 131; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover helpful methods of Bible reading and study that will
bring the most spiritual benefits into the personal life and experience.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Adequacy of Biblical Revelation
1.
A complete spiritual food.
Deut. 8:3 (last part) ; Matt. 4:4.
2.
One part supports another.
Dan. 9:2.
II. Approaching the Sacred Text
3.
With a prayer for guidance.
1 Sam. 23:1-5.
4.
With a deep longing to understand.
Ps. 119:18-20.
5.
With a willingness to share.
Isa. 21:11, 12.
6. With the spirit of obedience.
1 Kings 22:14.
7. A grave danger. Prov. 16:25.
III. Methods for Bible Reading
8. Telescopic. Deut. 31:10-13 ;
11:18-21.
9. Microscopic. Acts 8:26-38.
10. Daily, diligent Bible reading.
Acts 17:11.
11. Compare scripture with scripture.
1 Cor. 2:9-13.
IV. Key to the Kingdom
12. The key is the Word itself.
Matt. 16:19.
13. Misuse of the key. 2 Peter 3:16
(last part).
[ 1
0
THE LESSON
Introduction
Approaching the Sacred Text
"We should exert all the powers of the
mind in the study of the Scriptures and
should task the understanding to compre-
hend, as far as mortals can, the deep things
of God; yet we must not forget that the
docility and submission of a child is the
true spirit of the learner. Scriptural diffi-
culties can never be mastered by the same
methods that are employed in grappling
with philosophical problems. We should
not engage in the study of the Bible with
that self-reliance with which so many enter
the domains of science, but with a prayer-
ful dependence upon God and a sincere
desire to learn His will. We must come
with a humble and teachable spirit to ob-
tain knowledge from the great I AM.
Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our
minds and harden our hearts that we shall
not be impressed by the truth."—The
Great Controversy,
page 599.
Adequacy of Biblical Revelation
1.
How is man's spiritual life sus-
tained? Deut. 8:3 (last part); Matt.
4:4.
NOTE.—"The Bible contains all the prin-
ciples that men need to understand in
order to be fitted either for this life or
for the life to come. And these principles
may be understood by all. No one with a
spirit to appreciate its teaching can read
a single passage from the Bible without
gaining from it some helpful thought."—
Education,
page 123.
2.
How did one Bible writer reveal
his confidence in the writings of an-
other prophet? Dan. 9:2. Compare
Jer. 25:11-14; Ezra 1:1.
3.
When David needed special guid-
ance, what did he do? How did the
Lord respond? 1 Sam. 23:1-5. Com-
pare 1 Sam. 10:22.
NoTE.—When we desire to know the way
of the Lord, we should go as a church or
as individuals to the Word, for we shall
find safe guidance there. A good Bible
concordance is a great help, and the spirit
of prophecy was given to the church in the
last days as an inspired Bible commentary.
Here our minds are attracted to the Scrip-
ture and to its teachings, so that we may
learn the meaning of God's Word and to
reverence and obey the Lord.
4.
For what did the psalmist pray?
Ps. 119:18-20.
NOTE.—"Tire:Bible should never be stud-
ied without prayei9The Holy Spirit alone
can cause us to-feel the importance of those
things easy to be understood, or prevent
us from wresting truths difficult of com-
prehension. It is the office of heavenly
angels to prepare the heart so to compre-
hend God's Word that we shall be charmed
with its beauty, admonished by its warn-
ings, or animated and strengthened by its
promises. We should make the psalmist's
petition our own, 'Open Thou mine eyes,
that I may behold wondrous things out
of Thy law.' Psalm 119:18."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 599, 600.
5.
What inquiry was made of Is-
rael's watchmen? What reply was
given? Isa. 21:11, 12.
NoTe.—"Daniel searched the portion of
the Old Testament which he had at his
command, and made the Word of God
his highest instructor."—Fundamentals
of
Christian Education,
page 358.
NoTE.—"God's watchmen upon the walls
of Zion today should be ready to give an
answer to those who inquire what hour of
earth's long night it is, and when the dawn
of eternal day may be expected."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 21:12.
6.
What spirit did the prophets
manifest in receiving and communi-
cating God's truth to the people?
1 Kings 22:14. Compare Num. 22:38;
Jer. 1:7.
NOTE.—The spirit shown by the prophets
in humbly receiving and communicating the
messages God gave to them should be seen
in the churches today among all believers.
The Bible should be searched in an effort
to find the truth on a given subject but
not to prove and promote pet theories.
See
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Stu-
dents,
pages 341, 463. The world needs the
messages of God in the Book, not the
theories and twisted ideas of worldly phi-
losophers and false teachers.
7.
What danger does the wise man
point out? Prov. 16:25.
NoTE.—"Ignorance is no excuse for error
or sin, when there is every opportunity to
know the will of God. A man is traveling
and comes to a place where there are sev-
eral roads and a guideboard indicating
where each one leads. If he disregards the
guideboard, and takes whichever road seems
to him to be right, he may be ever so
sincere, but will in all probability find him-
self on the wrong road.
"God has given us His Word that we
may become acquainted with its teachings,
and know for ourselves what He requires
of
us."—The Great Controversy,
pages 597,
598.
Methods for Bible Reading
8.
In what manner was the Word
of God brought to Israel in ancient
times? Deut. 31:10-13; 11:18-21. Com-
pare Ezra 7:6, 10; Neh. 8:1-8, 18.
NOTE.—"Every seventh year the whole
law was to be read in the assembly of all
Israel, as Moses commanded."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 503.
"Not alone the men of Israel, but 'all
the women and the little ones' listened to
the reading of the
law."—Ibid.
Ezra and the associate Levites read the
Torah, or the five books of Moses, to the
people of God who gathered at Jerusalem
in connection with the Feast of Trumpets
(Prophets and Kings,
page 661). The read-
ings continued for many days, so keen was
the interest and desire of the people to
know God's will.
There is a certain advantage to the read-
ing of God's Word in sweeping, panoramic
sequences, whether privately, in family
worship, or in study groups. This method
of study might be called "the telescopic
method," taking a lengthy, grand sweep of
the Bible, reading one book after another
in order.
9.
How did the Ethiopian eunuch
study the prophets? Acts 8:26-38.
NOTE.—The eunuch sought to understand
of whom the inspired writer spoke. Philip
explained to him that it was Jesus, show-
ing that Isaiah 53 pointed to the suffering
Messiah. The eunuch believed and was
baptized. By a careful study of each por-
tion of the chapter he was led to the light.
This verse-by-verse Bible study is the best
method and has been called "the micro-
scopic method." There is also the "topical"
or "subject" approach, for which a good
concordance or Bible subject guide is help-
ful.
10.
How did the Bereans read the
Bible? Acts 17:11.
NOTE.—The noble Bereans read the Word
of God "daily." Theirs was not a hasty or
occasional or disconnected study.
God has given to some men and women
the gift of opening the Scriptures to
others. The labors of these men and women
should be respected. But no living human
being is to be considered an infallible in-
terpreter. The Bible explains itself, and we
should study it for ourselves and not read
it through the spectacles of others.
11.
What promise is made to those
who love the Lord? 1 Cor. 2:9-13.
NOTE.—"The mind will enlarge, if it is
employed in tracing out the relation of the
[12]
subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture
with scripture, and spiritual things with
spiritual. Go below the surface; the rich-
est treasures of thought are waiting for
the skillful and diligent
student."—Funda-
mentals of Christian Education,
page 127.
Key to the Kingdom
12. What did Jesus give to Peter?
Matt. 16:19. Compare Matt. 18:18;
John 20:22, 23.
NOTE.—"The 'keys' to the kingdom of
heaven are the words of Christ (see DA
413; cf. John 1:12; 17:3). It is important
to note that Christ Himself speaks of the
'key' here referred to as 'the key of
knowledge' of how to enter the kingdom
(see Luke 11:52). The words of Jesus are
'spirit' and 'life' to all who receive them
(see John 6:63). It is the words of Christ
that bring eternal life (see John 6:68). The
Word of God is the key to the new-birth
experience (1 Peter 1:23). . . .
"Christ simply bestowed upon Peter and
all the other disciples (see on Matt. 18:18;
John 20:23) the authority and power to
bring men into the kingdom. It was Peter's
perception of the truth that Jesus is in-
deed the Christ that placed the keys' of
the kingdom in his possession and let him
into the kingdom, and the same may be
said of all Christ's followers to the very
close of
time."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 16:19.
13. What did Peter say that the un-
learned and unstable had done with
Paul's writings? 2 Peter 3:16 (last
part).
NOTE.—"If men would but take the Bi-
ble as it reads, if there were no false teach-
ers to mislead and confuse their minds, a
work would be accomplished that would
make angels glad and that would bring
into the fold of Christ thousands upon
thousands who are now wandering in er-
ror."—The
Great Controversy,
page 599.
"I take the Bible just as it is, as the In-
spired Word. I believe its utterances in an
entire
Bible."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1,
p. 17.
Lesson 4, for October 25, 1969
The Two Books of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, 0 God! how great
is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the
sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee." Ps. 139:17, 18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 24; "Education," pages 128-134;
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 458-466; "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 255-
279, 326; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover ways in which nature and revelation "bear the impress
of the same master mind and speak in harmony."
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Divine Character of the Scriptures
1.
God's Word pure and true.
Ps. 119:105, 140, 160; John 17:17.
2.
A divine test. Isa. 8:19, 20;
1 Tim. 6:20; Col. 2:8.
II. God Speaks Through Natural Things
3.
In the voice of nature.
Ps. 19:1, 2; 8:3, 4.
4.
In things that are made.
Rom. 1:19, 20.
5.
Figures of speech not to be
construed literally. Isa. 11:12
(last part) ; Rev. 7:1 (first part).
13
III. Testimony of Nature and Scripture
6.
The Creator's power revealed in
nature. Ps. 33:6-9; Gen. 1:3, 6, 9.
7.
God's Word interprets nature.
Matt. 6:25-34.
IV. Mysteries in Both Books
8. Infinite power and wisdom.
Job 42:1-6.
9.
One reason why the Sadducees
erred. Matt. 22:23, 29.
10.
God revealed in Christ. Heb. 1:1-3.
V. Study With Divine Guidance
11.
Promise of the Spirit's help.
John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13.
12.
Remember the intruder! Gen. 3:1-6.
13.
A prayer for today. Ps. 119:18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Since the book of nature and the Book
of revelation bear the impress of the same
master mind, they cannot but speak in
harmony. By different methods, and in
different languages, they witness to the
same great truths. Science is ever dis-
covering new wonders; but she brings from
her research nothing that, rightly under-
stood, conflicts with divine revelation. The
book of nature and the Written Word
shed light upon each other. They make
us acquainted with God by teaching us
something of the laws through which He
works."-Education,
page 128.
Divine Character of the Scriptures
1.
What is the Word of God said
to be? Ps. 119:105, 140, 160; John
17:17.
NOTE.-"He
who has a knowledge of
God and His Word through personal ex-
perience has a settled faith in the divinity -
of the Holy Scriptures. He has proved
that God's Word is truth, and he knows
that truth can never contradict itself. He
does not test the Bible by men's ideas of
science; he brings these ideas to the test
of the unerring standard."-The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 462.
2.
Whom are men to consult, and
against what are they to be on guard?
Isa. 8:19, 20; 1 Tim. 6:20; Col. 2:8.
NOTE.-"In
these days of peril we are
not to accept everything that men bring
to us as truth. . . . The Word of God
gives us a test whereby we may know
what is truth. The prophet says, 'To the
law and to the testimony: if they speak
not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them.' (Isa. 8:20).
"From this statement it is evident that
it becomes us to be diligent Bible students,
that we may know what is according to
the law and the testimony. We are safe in
no other course of
action."-Selected Mes-
sages,
Bk. 2, p. 99.
God Speaks Through Natural
Things
3.
What sources teach important
knowledge? Ps. 19:1, 2; 8:3, 4.
NoTE.-"Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge."
Ps. 19:2, RSV. Correctly understood, all
Biblical observations touching the opera-
tion of natural law in earth and sky are
in harmony with true scientific findings.
4.
How is the power and Godhead
of the Creator revealed? Rom. 1:19,
20. Compare Isa. 40:26.
NoTE.-The power, wisdom, love, and
glory of God are revealed through His
creation. And "all true science is but an
interpretation of the handwriting of God
in the material
world."-Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 599.
5.
What figure of speech is em-
ployed with reference to the earth?
Isa. 11:12 (last part); Rev. 7:1 (first
part).
[14]
NoTE.—The expression "four corners of
the earth" is a figure of speech. But in
medieval times theologians interpreted these
scriptures literally and taught that the
earth was flat and had corners! Not until
navigators and astronomers of the fifteenth
and sixteenth centuries exposed this error
and established the fact that the earth is
spherical was this false view abandoned. In
this instance, scientific truth led the theo-
logians, eventually, to correct a false in-
terpretation. Science often brings help from
the book of nature to enlighten the chil-
dren of God.
This and other theological errors ac-
count, in part, for the fact that scientists
came to regard the Bible as unreliable and
unauthoritative. Though this reaction was
almost as unreasonable as the erroneous
Biblical interpretations, it nevertheless
points up the urgent importance of sound
Bible scholarship. Satan uses erroneous
views to prejudice minds against the truths
of the Word and to destroy souls. Wrote
Ellen White:
"It is true that many theories and doc-
trines popularly supposed to be derived
from the Bible have no foundation in its
teaching, and indeed are contrary to the
whole tenor of inspiration. These things
have been a cause of doubt and perplexity
to many minds. They are not, however,
chargeable to God's Word, but to man's
perversion of
it."—Steps to Christ,
pages
108, 109.
Testimony of Nature
and Scripture
6. By whose word did all things in
heaven and earth spring forth? Ps. 33:
6-9; Gen. 1:3, 6, 9. Compare John
1:1-3, 14.
NoTE.—"The work of creation can never
be explained by science. What science can
explain the mystery of life?
"The theory that God did not create
matter when He brought the world into
existence is without foundation. In the
formation of our world, God was not in-
debted to preexisting matter. On the con-
trary, all things, material or spiritual,
stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His
voice and were created for His own pur-
pose. The heavens and all the host of them,
the earth and all things therein, are not
only the work of His hand; they came
into existence by the breath of His mouth."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 258, 259.
7.
How did Jesus illumine nature
and correctly interpret its lessons?
Matt. 6:25-34.
Nom—The words of Christ, whether
spoken directly by Himself or by His
prophets, are the key to unlock nature's
lessons, and nature in turn throws light
on the Bible.
Mysteries in Both Books
8.
What does Job say concerning
the Creator's knowledge and power?
Job 42:1-6. Compare Col. 2:2 (last
part), 3.
NOTE.—"Skeptics refuse to believe in
God because with their finite minds they
cannot comprehend the infinite power by
which He reveals Himself to men. But
God is to be acknowledged more from
what He does not reveal of Himself than
from that which is open to our limited
comprehension. Both in divine revelation
and in nature, God has given to men
mysteries to command their faith. This
must be so. We may be ever searching,
ever inquiring, ever learning, and yet there
is an infinity
beyond."—Testimonies,
Vol.
8, p. 261.
9.
Why did the Sadducees err in
their religious understanding? Matt.
22:23, 29.
NOTE.—"Because they cannot fathom all
its mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel
reject God's Word; and not all who pro-
fess to believe the Bible are free from
danger on this point. The apostle says,
`Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any
of you an evil heart of unbelief, in de-
parting from the living God.' Hebrews
3:12. It is right to study closely the teach-
15
ings of the Bible and to search into 'the
deep things of God' so far as they are
revealed in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:10.
While 'the secret things belong unto the
Lord our God,' those things which are
revealed belong unto us.' Deuteronomy
29:29."—Steps to Christ,
page 108.
10.
What do the Scriptures say con-
cerning the revelation of God in
Christ? Heb. 1:1-3.
Nom—Appearing on earth as "the ex-
press image" of the Father's person, Christ
represented God in His totality—His per-
sonal being, His character, His power, His
love, His wisdom, and His justice. The
revelation of God in the incarnation of
Christ and in the Scriptures was essential.
Nature unaided could not reveal Him to
perfection.
Study With Divine Guidance
11.
Whom has God appointed to
aid in the study of truth? John 14:26;
15:26; 16:13.
NoTE.—"As the works of God are stud-
ied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into
the mind. It is not the conviction that
logical reasoning produces; but unless the
mind has become too dark to know God,
the eye too dim to see Him, the ear too
dull to hear His voice, a deeper meaning is
grasped, and the sublime, spiritual truths
of the Written Word are impressed on the
heart."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 24.
12.
How did Satan in the begin-
ning interpose to destroy confidence
in God and His word? Gen. 3:1-6.
NOTE.—"Satan addressed her [Eve] with
a question that looked innocent but was
full of cunning. . . . Satan intended that
his words should be indefinite and ambigu-
ous. His purpose was obvious. He wished to
sow doubt in the heart of the woman con-
cerning the real phraseology and the ex-
act meaning of the divine commandment,
especially concerning the reasonableness and
justice of such a command."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Gen. 3:1.
Satan's subtle question was designed to
make the word of God and the testimony
of nature ambiguous and vague to our
first parents. So he works today, introduc-
ing questions of doubt and uncertainty to
unsettle the faith of young and old in
divine revelation.
13.
What request did the psalmist
make? Ps. 119:18. Compare Ps. 139:
17, 18 (first part).
NOTE.—This is really a prayer for di-
vine guidance in the understanding of all
the truth in God's great storehouse and
treasury of truth, scientific discoveries as
well as the truths clearly taught in the
Bible.
Lesson 5, for November 1, 1969
The Sure Word of Prophecy
MEMORY VERSE:
"We have
also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do
well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 173-184; "The Great Controversy," chapters 18,
19; "SDA Bible Dictionary," pages 882, 883; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
(1) To uncover the prophetic character of certain parts of
the Scrip-
tures. (2) To discover the basic principles of prophetic interpretation.
16
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Bible a Book of Predictive
Prophecy
1.
The first and last prophecies.
Gen. 3 :15 ; Rev. 22 :20.
2.
The last book a prophecy of the
future. Rev. 1:1.
3.
A study of Daniel and the Reve-
lation commended. Matt. 24:15 ;
Rev. 1:3.
II. Dependability of Bible Prophecy
4.
The prophetic Word made sure.
2 Peter 1:19.
5.
The prophets "moved" by God's
Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21.
6. The prophets study the prophets.
1 Peter 1:10.
7. The Spirit of Christ in the
prophets. 1 Peter 1:11, 12.
8. Established in "present truth."
2 Peter 1:12 (last part).
III. Basic Principles of Prophetic
Interpretation
9. The Bible its own expositor.
1 Cor. 2:12, 13.
10. No private interpretation.
2 Peter 1:20.
11. Interpreting figurative prophecies.
Daniel 2; 7 to 9; Revelation 10
to 14.
12. Wisdom for those who ask.
Deut. 29:29.
13. Progressive revelation of truth.
James 1:5-8.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The word "prophecy" as used in the Bi-
ble,
e.g.,
Rom. 12:6, refers to every mes-
sage from God, whatever its nature. In a
more limited sense the word is commonly
used in referring to predictions of future
events.
"Scripture plainly presents prediction as
a manifestation of God's power glorifying
His Person, exalting His redemptive work
in Christ and setting forth the divine char-
acter of His revealed Word. The words of
fulfilled prophecies with regard to the
first advent of Christ speak of the wisdom
and power of God in interposing for man's
need. Scripture not only presents the
prophetic word as a demonstration of God's
power and wisdom but His response to
man's need. Since man is ignorant of what
a day may bring forth, the revelation of
not only God's will for the present but the
disclosure of His plans and purposes for
the future are of inestimable benefit to
the believer. In the light of
these facts,
widespread neglect of Biblical prophecy is
not only tragic but inexcusable."—Unger's
Bible Dictionary,
page 894.
The Bible a Book of
Predictive Prophecy
1.
Locate the first and the last
prophecies in the Holy Scriptures.
Gen. 3:15; Rev. 22:20.
NOTE .—The first predictive prophecy
found in the, first book of the Bible, Gene-
sis, foretells the first advent of Christ and
Christ's smiting of the serpent's head by
means of His victory on the cross. The
predictive prophecies of the last book of
the Bible forecast the second coming of
Christ, the day of the Lord, and the de-
liverence of the saints. Between Genesis
and Revelation are to be found hundreds
of prophetic predicitions which (1) have
meaning today, (2) have met fulfillment
in the past, or (3) will be fulfilled in the
future.
2.
What words introduce the
prophetic book of Revelation? Rev.
1:1.
[ 17
Nora.—"The book of Revelation opens
to the world what has been, what is, and
what is to come; it is for our instruction
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
It should be studied with reverential awe."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 954.
3.
What is said of those who read
the books of Daniel and the Revela-
tion? Matt. 24:15; Rev. 1:3.
NOTE.—"When the books of Daniel and
Revelation are better understood, believers
will have an entirely different religious
experience. . .
"One thing will certainly be understood
from the study of Revelation—that the
connection between God and His people
is close and
decided."—Testimonies to
Ministers,
page 114.
Dependability of Bible Prophecy
4.
What word of confidence did
Peter express? 2 Peter 1:19.
5.
How were the prophecies of the
Scriptures given? 2 Peter 1:21.
NoTE.—The Old Testament and the New
Testament prophets were "moved" by the
Holy Ghost. In Acts 27:15, 17 Luke uses
the same word of a ship being driven be-
fore the wind. "The prophets were borne
along by the Spirit as a ship is borne along
by a wind. They were entirely under the
Spirit's motivation."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 2 Peter 1:21.
6.
What did the prophets seek to
know? 1 Peter 1:10.
NoTE.—"Enquired.
Or, 'sought out,' a
reference to the diligent study by the
prophets of divine utterances, doubtless
their own along with those of their fellow
prophets, particularly with respect to the
coming of the Redeemer. The possession
of the prophetic gift does not imply full
and complete knowledge on all matters.
The prophet knows only that which God
has revealed to him, and only this is he
permitted to set forth as a 'Thus saith the
Lord.' Since the messages to one prophet
often complement those given to others, it
becomes necessary to compare the various
revelations in order to get a balanced and
comprehensive view of the messages from
Heaven. This the ancient prophets did."—
SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 1:10.
7.
Whose Spirit was operating in
the prophets? 1 Peter 1:11, 12.
NoTE.—"What a lesson to the people
of God in the Christian age, for whose
benefit these prophecies were given to His
servants! 'Unto whom it was revealed, that
not unto themselves, but unto us they did
minister.' Witness those holy men of God
as they 'inquired and searched diligently'
concerning revelations given them for gen-
erations that were yet unborn. Contrast
their holy zeal with the listless unconcern
with which the favored ones of later ages
treat this gift of Heaven. What a rebuke
to the ease-loving, world-loving indifference
which is content to declare that the proph-
ecies cannot be understood
!"—The Great
Controversy,
page 344.
8.
In what did Peter say those to
whom he was writing were estab-
lished? 2 Peter 1:12 (last part).
NorE.—The "present truth" is the truth
possessed by the church at any given time
in church history—the revealed truth for
that time. In apostolic times, the recent
first advent of Jesus—His coming, His
life, His death, and His resurrection—con-
stituted "present truth" for that era. These
events had fulfilled a host of Old Testa-
ment predictions. In our day, the three
angels' messages, which include the gospel
of the first advent and of the imminence
of the second advent, are "present truth."
Basic Principles of Prophetic
Interpretation
9.
What principle is stated by Paul?
1 Cor. 2:12, 13.
[
18]
NOTE.—A dozen principles of interpre-
tation are stated in the following inspired
paragraph. Can you locate them?
"The Bible is its own expositor. Scrip-
ture is to be compared with scripture. The
student should learn to view the Word as
a whole, and to see the relation of its
parts. He should gain a knowledge of its
grand central theme, of God's original pur-
pose for the world, of the rise of the great
controversy, and of the work of redemp-
tion. He should understand the nature of
the two principles that are contending for
supremacy, and should learn to trace their
working through the records of history
and prophecy, to the great consummation.
He should see how this controversy enters
into every phase of human experience; how
in every act of life he himself reveals the
one or the other of the two antagonistic
motives; and how, whether he will or not,
he is even now deciding upon which side
of the controversy he will be found."—
Education,
page 190.
10.
What does Peter say about
prophecy? 2 Peter 1:20.
NoTE.—Peter here declares that no Bible
prophecy reflects the private opinion of the
prophet; as he hastens to state, these holy
men of old were moved by the Holy Ghost
as they wrote. Surely, if those who wrote
the Bible were not permitted to inject their
own ideas into it, we who read what they
wrote have no right to inject our private
ideas into a passage of Scripture and then
claim for our private ideas the authority
of Scripture.
11.
What figurative prophecies
were given in the Old and New Tes-
taments to delineate world events with
relationship to the close of time?
Daniel 2; 7 to 9; Revelation 10 to 14.
NoTE.—The great nations of antiquity
were represented by the metallic image of
, Daniel 2, also by the four figurative beasts
of Daniel 7. Ellen White wrote: "The lan-
guage of the Bible should be explained ac-
cording to its obvious meaning, unless a
symbol or figure is employed."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 599.
12.
To whom do the revelations of
God belong? Deut. 29:29.
NOTE.—"We may not, in this life, be
able to explain the meaning of every pas-
sage of Scripture; but there are no vital
points of practical truth that will be
clouded in mystery. When the time shall
come, in the providence of God, for the
world to be tested upon the truth for that
time, minds will be exercised by His Spirit
to search the Scriptures, even with fasting
and with prayer, until link after link is
searched out and united in a perfect chain.
Every fact which immediately concerns the
salvation of souls will be made so clear that
none need err or walk in darkness."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 692.
13.
What instruction given by
James with respect to wisdom for
meeting trials is valid also in asking
for wisdom to understand the Bible?
James 1:5-8.
NorE.—"Those who are teaching the
most solemn message ever given to the
world, should discipline the mind to com-
prehend its significance. The theme of re-
demption will bear the most concentrated
study, and its depth will never be fully
explored. You need not fear that you will
exhaust this wonderful theme. Drink deep
of the well of salvation. Go to the foun-
tain for yourself, that you may be filled
with refreshment, that Jesus may be in
you a well of water, springing up unto
everlasting life. Only Bible truth and Bible
religion will stand the test of the
judg-
ment."—Fundamentals of Christian Edu-
cation,
page 127.
"Those who rejoice in the
precious light of truth
should feel a burning desire
to have it sent everywhere."
—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 42.
[ 19
Lesson 6, for November 8, 1969
The Historical Bible
MEMORY VERSE:
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for
our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope." Rom. 15:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 146-158, 51-70; "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 44-51, 90-104; "Fundamentals of Christian Education," pages 84, 85;
"SDA Bible Dictionary," pages 230-234, 342, 343, 354-358, 473-480.
STUDY AIM:
To discover the relevancy for today of the historical Biblical record.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A True Record of Creation
1.
Our world "in the beginning."
Gen. 1:1-5, 31; 2:1-4.
2.
The origin of man. Gen. 1:27;
2:7; 5:1, 2; Luke 3:38.
3.
Jesus affirms creation story.
Mark 10:6-8.
II. An Accurate Record of Human
Catastrophes
4.
The catastrophe of man's fall.
Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-7, 22-24.
5.
The Noachian Deluge. Gen. 6:5-8,
17, 13, 14; 7:1, 11-13, 17-24;
8:15-19.
III. A Comprehensive View of History
6.
God's purpose for the races of
men. Acts 17:24-30.
7.
Object of human governments.
Dan. 4:10-12, 20-22, 27.
8.
End of a rebellious empire.
Jer. 51:12, 13, 63, 64; Isa. 13:19;
14:22, 23.
9.
Final overthrow of earthly
dominions. Dan 2:44; 7:27.
10.
Reliability of God's Word; for
our learning. John 17:17;
Rom. 15:4.
IV. The Future in God's Hand
11.
Certainty assured for Israel.
Ezek. 12:27, 28.
12.
Solemn events ahead.
Matt. 24:6, 7.
13.
Enduring quality of God's Word.
1 Peter 1:24, 25.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"We are dependent on the Bible for a
knowledge of the early history of our
world, of the creation of man, and of his
fall. Remove the Word of God, and what
can we expect than to be left to fables
and conjectures, and to that enfeebling of
the intellect which is the sure result of
entertaining error. We need the authentic
history of the origin of the earth, of the
fall of the covering cherub, and of the
introduction of sin into our world. With-
out the Bible, we should be bewildered by
false theories. The mind would be sub-
jected to the tyranny of superstition and
falsehood. But having in our possession an
authentic history of the beginning of our
world, we need not hamper ourselves with
human conjectures and unreliable theories."
—Medical Ministry,
page 89.
A True Record of Creation
1. What does the inspired historian
say concerning our world "in the be-
ginning"? Gen. 1:1-5, 31; 2:1-4. Com-
pare Ps. 33:6, 9.
[ 20 ]
NOTE.—"Just how God accomplished the
work of creation He has never revealed to
men; human science cannot search out the
secrets of the Most High. His creative
power is as incomprehensible as His ex-
istence. . . .
"It may be innocent to speculate beyond
what God's Word has revealed, if our
theories do not contradict facts found in
the Scriptures; but those who leave the
Word of God, and seek to account for His
created works upon scientific principles,
are drifting without chart or compass
upon an unknown
ocean."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 113.
2.
What does the Bible teach about
the origin of man? Gen. 1:27; 2:7;
5:1, 2; Luke 3:38. Compare Eccl. 7:29.
NOTE.—"Akin to the theory concerning
the evolution of the earth is that which at-
tributes to an ascending line of germs,
mollusks, and quadrupeds the evolution of
man, the crowning glory of the creation.
"When consideration is given to man's
opportunities for research; how brief his
life; how limited his sphere of action; how
restricted his vision; how frequent and
how great the errors in his conclusions,
especially as concerns the events thought to
antedate Bible history; how often the sup-
posed deductions of science are revised or
cast aside; with what readiness the as-
sumed period of the earth's development is
from time to time increased or diminished
by millions of years; and how the theories
advanced by different scientists conflict
with one another,—considering all this,
shall we, for the privilege of tracing our
descent from germs and mollusks and apes,
consent to cast away that statement of
Holy Writ, so grand in its simplicity, 'God
created man in His own image, in the
image of God created He him'? Genesis
1:27. Shall we reject that genealogical
record,—prouder than any treasured in the
courts of kings,—'which was the son of
Adam, which was the son of God'? Luke
3
:38."—Education,
page 130.
3.
How did Jesus affirm the truth
of the Mosaic record of man's crea-
tion? Mark 10:6-8. Compare Gen.
1:27, 28; 2:22-25.
NOTE.—"Neither evolution nor special
creation of basic types can be demon-
strated in the laboratory. This situation has
existed as far back as authentic records
extend. Therefore, the scientists (and many
famous names appear here) who are as-
serting today that evolution of new basic
types is as completely demonstrated as is
the shape of our earth are completely
wrong. If they would be truthful they
would have to say, 'We cannot
prove
in the
laboratory that evolution of new basic
types has occurred, or is occurring, but
we believe
such to be the case.' "—Frank
L. Marsh,
Evolution or Special Creation?
page 4.
An Accurate Record of Human
Catastrophes
4.
What great catastrophe befell
man in the Garden of Eden? Gen.
2:15-17; 3:1-7, 22-24. Compare Ro-
mans 5:12, 21; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22.
NoTE.—According to Bible history a suc-
cession of falls and curses have occurred
on the earth.
"The first curse was pronounced upon
the posterity of Adam and upon the earth,
because of disobedience. The second curse
came upon the ground after Cain slew
his brother Abel. The third most dreadful
curse from God, came upon the earth at
the
Flood."—Spiritual Gifts,
Vol. 4, p. 121.
5.
What calamity overtook the
world in Noah's day? Gen. 6:5-8, 17,
13, 14; 7:1, 11-13, 17-24; 8:15-19.
NOTE.—"Apart from Bible history, geol-
ogy can prove nothing. . . . In the history
of the Flood, inspiration has explained that
which geology alone could never fathom.
In the days of Noah, men, animals, and
trees, many times larger than now exist,
were buried, and thus preserved as an evi-
dence to later generations that the ante-
diluvians perished by a flood. God designed
that the discovery of these things should
establish faith in inspired history; but
men, with their vain reasoning, fall into
[ 21 ]
the same error as did the people before
the Flood—the things which God gave them
as a benefit, they turn into a curse by
making a wrong use of
them."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 112.
A Comprehensive View of
History
6.
What does Paul say of the crea-
tion of the world and man and of
the distribution of nations? Acts 17:
24-30.
NOTE.—"Paul is stating the historical
truth that all men, and consequently all
nations, sprang from one common ancestor,
Adam. . . . But there was no place in
Paul's theology for a 'superior' race. He
believed the Genesis account of the crea-
tion of man. He saw the oneness of physical
structure, of potential or actual develop-
ment, which forbids any one race or nation
—Hebrew, Hellenic, Latin, or Teutonic—to
assume that it is the cream and flower of
humanity. Compare Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11,
where Paul stresses the unity achieved
through belief in Christ. The Christian is
doubly obligated to recognize the oneness
of men—through creation and through
salvation."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Acts 17:26.
7.
What impressive dream did King
Nebuchadnezzar have, and what did
Daniel say it signified? Dan. 4:10-12,
20-22, 27. Compare 2 Sam. 23:3, 4.
NOTE.—"To Nebuchadnezzar the king
the true object of national government
was represented under the figure of a
great tree. . . . This representation shows
the character of a government that fulfills
God's purpose—a government that protects
and upbuilds the nation.
"God exalted Babylon that it might ful-
fill this purpose. Prosperity attended the
nation until it reached a height of wealth
and power that has never since been
equaled—fitly represented in the Scriptures
by the inspired symbol, a 'head of gold.'
Dan. 2:38.
"But the king failed of recognizing the
power that had exalted him. . . . To the
ruler of Babylon came the sentence of the
divine Watcher: '0 king, to thee it is
spoken; The kingdom is departed from
thee.' Dan.
4:31."—Education,
pages 175,
176.
8. What was predicted concerning
the latter end of Babylon? Jer. 51:12,
13, 63, 64; Isa. 13:19; 14:22, 23.
NOTE.—"Every nation that has come
upon the stage of action has been permitted
to occupy its place on the earth, that it
might be seen whether it would fulfill the
purpose of 'the Watcher and the Holy
One.' Prophecy has traced the rise and
fall of the world's great empires—Babylon,
Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each
of these, as with nations of less power,
history repeated itself. Each had its period
of test, each failed, its glory faded, its
power departed, and its place was oc-
cupied by another."—Education, pages 176,
177.
9.
In what language was the final
overthrow of all earthly dominions
foretold? Dan. 2:44; 7:27. Compare
Ezek. 21:26, 27.
NOTE.—"The final overthrow of all
earthly dominions is plainly foretold in
the Word of truth. In the prophecy uttered
when sentence from God was pronounced
upon the last king of Israel is given the
message: [Ezek. 21:26, 27 quoted]. That
time is at
hand."—Education,
page 179.
10.
What did Jesus say concerning
God's Word? What reason is given
for studying the Scriptures? John 17:
17; Rom. 15:4.
NOTE.—"Thy Word is truth." This is
true of the historical records of the Bible
as well as of its teachings. Whether the in-
spired writings deal with men as individuals
[
22
]
or with nations, the truth is told. There
is no glossing over the record. Even the
sins of God's servants and His judgments
upon them are revealed. There are also
strong archaeological proofs that the Bib-
lical records are true.
"Many critical scholars admit today that
the Bible has to be treated with greater
respect since the archaeological evidence
has shown how accurate its records are."
—L. E. Froom,
Our Firm Foundation,
Vol.
1, pp. 62, 63.
The Future in God's Hand
11. What words of certainty con-
cerning the fulfillment of Ezekiel's
prophecies did God speak to the
house of Israel? Ezek. 12:27, 28.
NOTE.—"All that prophecy has foretold
as coming to pass, until the present time,
has been traced on the pages of history,
and we may be assured that all which
is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order."
—Education,
page 178.
12.
What prophecy of international
significance did Jesus give? Man. 24:
6, 7.
13.
For how long will God's Word
endure? 1 Peter 1:24, 25.
NOTE.—"From the rise and fall of nations
as made plain in the pages of Holy Writ,
they need to learn how worthless is mere
outward and worldly glory. Babylon, with
all its power and its magnificence, the like
of which our world has never since be-
held,—power and magnificence which to
the people of that day seemed so stable
and enduring,—how completely has it
passed away ! As 'the flower of the grass'
it has perished. So perishes all that has
not God for its foundation. Only that
which is bound up with His purpose and
expresses His character can endure. His
principles are the only steadfast things our
world
knows."—Education,
page 183.
Lesson 7, for November 15, 1969
Conditional Prophecy
MEMORY VERSE: "0
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!"
Rom. 11:33.
STUDY HELPS:
Jonah 1 to
4;
Isaiah
38, 39;
"Prophets and Kings," pages 531-533,
551, 552; "Selected Messages," Bk. 2, p. 102; "Counsels on Sabbath School
Work," page 23; "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp.
147, 148;
"SDA Bible Commen-
tary."
STUDY AIM:
To ascertain the conditions upon which the promises and threaten-
ings of the Scriptures are based.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Future Unfolded
1. Immutability of God's purposes.
Prov. 19:21.
[
23]
2.
The shape of things to come.
Isa. 46:9, 10.
3.
Cyrus the deliverer.
Isa. 44:24-28; 45:1-3.
4.
The divine-human struggle.
Dan. 10:1, 5-7, 12, 13, 18-21.
5.
God's Word confirmed.
Isa. 44:24, 25, 26 (first part).
II. Predicted Benefits Conditional
on Obedience
6.
Changed fulfillment resulting from
disobedience. Jer. 18:9, 10.
7.
Changed fulfillment resulting from
obedience. Jer. 18:7, 8.
III. Examples of Threatenings
Unfulfilled
8. The prophecy of Jonah.
Jonah 3:1, 4.
9.
No stated prospects of mercy.
Jonah 3:4 (last part).
10.
A revelation of God's character.
Jonah 4:1, 2.
11.
Reversal of a divine pronounce-
ment. 2 Kings 20:1-6.
12.
A promise postponed. Ex. 6:2-8;
Num. 14:26-34.
13.
A nation laid aside.
Dan. 5:1-6, 25-28, 30, 31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"God's Word is sure (Isa. 40:8; 55:11;
Rom. 11:29), and His plan for the sal-
vation of man will ultimately prevail (Isa.
46:10). With Him there is `no variableness,
neither shadow of turning' (James 1:17).
He is 'the same yesterday, and today, and
forever' (Heb. 13:8). His word `endureth
forever' (1 Peter 1:25). Eventually God's
purposes will prevail and the plan of sal-
vation will succeed, irrespective of the
failure of any person or group (PK 705,
706). The plan itself never changes because
God never changes. But the manner in
which it is carried out may change because
man may change. The fickle human will is
the weak, unstable factor in conditional
prophecy."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol.
4, p. 34.
"It should be remembered that the prom-
ises and threatenings of God are alike
conditional."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1,
p. 67.
The Future Unfolded
1. How are the divine purposes
contrasted with human plans? Prov.
19:21. Compare Heb. 6:17; Acts 5:
38, 39.
NoTE.—The Revised Standard Version
renders Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the
plans in the mind of a man, but it is the
purpose of the Lord that will be estab-
lished." The author of Hebrews speaks of
"the immutability of His counsel." Heb.
6:17. This means the "unchangeableness
of His purpose" as contrasted with man's
ambitious designs, his changing whims and
fancies.
2.
With regard to "things that are
not yet done," what does the Lord do?
Isa. 46:9, 10. Compare Isa. 44:6-8.
3.
What was foretold concerning
Cyrus? Isa. 44:24-28; 45:1-3.
NOTE.—"Cyrus was a 'shepherd' to the
scattered flock of Israel, but a ravenous
bird of prey to Babylon, the enemy of
God's people. . . .
"God would one day deliver His people
from Babylon, through Cyrus (ch. 45:13).
The deliverance from Babylon is a type
of the greater deliverance from sin accom-
plished through Christ.
"The Babylonian captivity was to be
for a period of 70 years (Jer. 25:11, 12;
29:10), at the close of which the Jews
were to return to their homeland under
Cyrus' decree (2 Chron. 36:21-23; Ezra 1:
1-4)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Isa.
46:11.
4.
What struggle ensued over the
proclamation of Cyrus's decree for
the return of the exiled Jews? Dan.
10:1, 5-7, 12, 13, 18-21.
NoTE.—"While Satan was striving to
influence the highest powers in the king-
dom of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to
God's people, angels worked in behalf of
[24
]
the exiles. The controversy was one in
which all heaven was interested. Through
the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse
of this mighty struggle between the forces
of good and the forces of evil. For three
weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers
of darkness, seeking to counteract the in-
fluences at work on the mind of Cyrus;
and before the contest closed, Christ Him-
self came to Gabriel's aid. 'The prince of
the kingdom of Persia withstood me one
and twenty days,' Gabriel declares; 'but,
lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came
to help me; and I remained there with the
kings of Persia.' Daniel 10:13. All that
heaven could do in behalf of the people of
God was done. The victory was finally
gained ; the forces of the enemy were held
in check all the days of Cyrus, and all the
days of his son Cambyses, who reigned
about seven and a half
years."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 571, 572.
This incident reveals the hand of God
in prophecy and history, yet the actors in
the unfolding historic drama acted with
freedom of choice and followed the course
of their own action. They were not robots
or machines moved by an irresistible force
toward a certain predetermined goal. God's
angels strove with Cyrus, urging a right
decision, and eventually he chose to co-
operate with the divine will.
5.
How does God regard the word
spoken through His prophetic mes-
sengers? Isa. 44:24, 25, 26 (first part).
Compare Zech. 1:6.
NoTE.—God confirms the word of His
servants and performs the counsels of His
prophetic messengers. "He establishes the
reliability of true prophets. Their predic-
tions are fulfilled."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Isa. 44:26. Even rebellious Israel
had to concede that God's word concern-
ing them had been fulfilled.
Predicted Benefits Conditional
on Obedience
6.
What conditional aspect is in-
herent in the Lord's promises to the
children of men? Jer. 18:9, 10. Com-
pare Deut. 28:1-15, 58, 63, 64.
NOTE.—The sad story of Israel's failure,
captivity, and dispersion is the most poig-
nant illustration in sacred history of how
the divine principle enunicated in Jeremiah
18:9, 10 operates. If the conditions of
loyalty and obedience to the divine law
are not met by God's people, His bless-
ings are withheld; indeed, His judgments
will fall upon the disobedient. See Deut.
28:15-68. "The Jews were not to think
that their role as God's chosen people as-
sured them of continued divine favor, ir-
respective of whether or not they acted in
harmony with the divine
will."—SDA Bible
Commentary,
on Jer. 18:10.
7.
What hope is extended to a sin-
ful people who repent of their evil
deeds? Jer. 18:7, 8. Compare Ezek.
18:21; 1 Kings 21:27-29; 2 Chron.
34:24-28.
NoTE.—Prosperity or adversity may come
to individuals, to cities, to states, dependent
upon right or wrong attitudes toward God
and His revealed will. Consider the mer-
cies extended to wicked Ahab when he
humbled himself before God; also, to King
Josiah in spite of the perversity of his
people.
"This is a moral universe, and . .. nations
stand or fall according to their relation-
ship to the moral law. If a nation conducts
its affairs uprightly, following the pre-
cepts of justice and mercy, it 'shall pros-
per' (Ps. 1:3). If, on the other hand, it
becomes tyrannical, gives itself wholly to
the material and secular values of life,
and disregards the norms of honest national
and international dealing, it 'shall perish'
(see Ps.
1:6)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Jer. 18:8.
Examples of Threatenings
Unfulfilled
8.
What warning of impending
judgment did Jonah bring to the in-
habitants of Nineveh? Jonah 3:1-4.
NoTE.—Wicked Nineveh repented at the
preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:5-10), and
the fulfillment of the prophecy, "Yet forty
[
25
]
days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown"
(Jonah 3:4), was postponed. The predic-
tion might have been canceled altogether
if the humbled Ninevites had forsaken
their idolatry and persisted in obeying the
true God.
9.
Did the prophet Jonah's mes-
sage, as recorded in Scripture, offer
any stated prospect of divine mercy?
Jonah 3:4 (last part).
NOTE.—"It is doubtful that Jonah had
given any assurance of a possible reversal
of the divine decree. His anger at the spar-
ing of the city (ch. 4:1) indicates that he
had not."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Jonah 3:9.
10.
What words in Jonah's prayer
indicate that he had long understood
God's mercy toward the erring?
Jonah 4:1, 2.
Nom—Jonah understood conditional
prophecy. He knew that all of God's
dealings with men reflect His merciful
character. He was more interested, how-
ever, in his own reputation—he did not
want to be regarded as a false prophet—
than in establishing the people of Nineveh
in the true knowledge of God's love and
goodness.
11.
What reversal of a divine pro-
nouncement occurred in the life of
Hezekiah? 2 Kings 20:1-6.
Nora.—"The normal course of the dis-
ease would bring certain death. The proph-
ecy was a forecast of the results that would
follow the circumstances as they existed at
that time. With an alteration in circum-
stances the prediction
was
changed (see v.
5). Some prophetic predictions are not
necessarily absolute but may be condi-
tional."—SD
A Bible Commentary,
on 2
Kings 20:1.
12.
The fulfillment of what prom-
ise made to Abraham and Moses con-
cerning ancient Israel was postponed
because of the sins of the people? Ex.
6:2-8; Num. 14:26-34. Compare Gen.
15:16.
NorE.—God's promise that Israel should
proceed immediately into the land of Ca-
naan in the fourth generation and thus
fulfill His purpose for them, was altered—
but not completely thwarted—by the un-
belief and murmuring of the people. It was
the fifth generation that Joshua led over
Jordan.
13.
Why did judgment come upon
ancient Babylon? Dan. 5:1-6, 25-28,
30, 31.
NorE.—"God may reject one nation or
group of people in favor of another if
those first summoned persistently refuse to
cooperate with Him."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 4, p. 34.
The advent people are subject to the
divine principles of God's government.
Some may lose their way and, in a time
of great testing soon to come, leave the
church, but those who remain faithful
will triumph with the church and be among
the redeemed.
For those who speak other languages, the senior "Sabbath
School Lesson Quarterly" is available in the following languages:
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Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portu-
guese, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian,
Yugoslav (Latin or Cyrillic type).
[ 26 ]
Lesson 8, for November 22, 1969
Prophecies Concerning Israel-I
MEMORY VERSE:
"Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the
children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved."
Rom. 9:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 232, 447, 603; "The Acts of the
Apostles," pages 9-16; "Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 9, 10; "SDA Bible Dictio-
nary," article, "Israel," also pages 515-517, 8-11.
STUDY AIM:
To understand: (1) God's destiny for Israel', ancient and spiritual, as
revealed in Bible prophecy, and (2) the principles by which to interpret and
apply these prophecies.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Plan for Ancient Israel
1.
The plan announced to Abraham.
Gen. 12:1-3 ; 22:15-18.
2.
The plan accepted by Israel.
Ex. 19:1-8; 24:3-8.
3.
Rules for Israel's monarchy.
Deut. 17:14-20.
4.
A happy, healthy society foreseen.
Deut. 4:5-8.
5.
A world-embracing witness.
Deut. 26:19.
6.
Opportunities for Israel's leaders.
1 Kings 10:1-9; 2 Kings 20:12-15.
7.
God's purpose for Egypt and
Assyria. Isa. 19:18-25.
II. Israel's Failure to Implement
God's Plan
8.
Why Israel was divided.
1 Kings 11:29-36.
9.
How God was disappointed.
Isa. 5:1-7.
III. Promises of Postexilic Glory
10.
The covenant renewed.
Jer. 31:31-34.
11.
Promises of restoration.
Jer. 50:4, 5, 17-19; Isa. 27:12, 13.
IV. Israel Confronts the Messiah
12.
"His own received Him not."
John 1:11.
13.
Christ's death not in vain.
Matt. 21:33-43.
THE LESSON
called it forth. Remember that-generally
speaking-it was originally given with re-
spect to the historical circumstance that
called it forth. It was ordained of God to
meet the needs of His people at the time
it was given and to remind them of the
glorious destiny that awaited them as a
nation, of the coming of the Messiah, and
of the establishment of His eternal king-
dom. Discover what the message meant to
the people of that time. . . .
"2.
Observe the conditional aspects of
the prediction and ascertain whether or
not, or to what extent, the conditions were
met.
"3.
Discover what application later in-
spired writers make of the prophecy,
and
(271
Introduction
In the messages of the Old Testament
prophets are to be found guidance, com-
fort, and direction for the church today.
Many of these prophecies concerned Is-
rael; others applied to surrounding na-
tions. In order rightly to understand the
prophecies concerning Israel, certain sim-
ple rules need to be applied to each pro-
phetic passage. If this understanding can be
acquired, a major obstacle to a right un-
derstanding of the Bible will be removed.
The following guidelines are helpful:
"1. Examine the prophecy in its entirety.
Note by whom it was spoken, to whom it
was addressed, and the circumstances that
on this basis determine its possible signifi-
cance for God's people in this time.
"4. Remember that the record of God's
dealings with His people in ages past has
been recorded for the benefit of all later
generations to the end of time. Our study
of messages originally proclaimed by holy
men of old to the people of their day is
not to become an end in itself, but a
means of discovering the will of God for
all who would render Him truehearted
service now, at the climax of the ages.
The voice of God through the prophets
distinctly speaks to us today."—SDA
Bi-
ble Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 38.
God's Plan for Ancient Israel
1.
Whom did God call to be the
father of Israel, and "of all them that
believe"? Gen. 12:1-3; 22:15-18. Com-
pare Rom. 4:6-13.
NOTE.—"With the call of Abraham, God
set in operation a definite plan for bring-
ing the Messiah into the world and for
presenting the gospel invitation to all men
(Gen. 12:1-3; PP 125; PK 368). In Abra-
ham God found a man ready to yield un-
qualified obedience to the divine will (Gen.
26:5 ; Heb. 11:8) and to cultivate a simi-
lar spirit in his posterity (Gen 18:19).
Accordingly, Abraham became in a special
sense the 'Friend of God' (James 2:23) and
`the father of all them that believe' (Rom.
4:11)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4,
p. 26.
2.
How did Abraham's descendants
respond to the divine call to enter
into covenant relationship with God?
Ex. 19:1-8; 24:3-8. Compare Deut. 7:
6-14.
NoTE.—Israel as a nation promised to be
obedient to God and to be the Lord's own
special people, through whom He planned
to make His truth known to the world.
Thus Israel entered into a theocratic form
of government directly under the divine
leadership.
3.
Later when Israel set up a mon-
archy, what precautions were to be
observed? Deut. 17:14-20.
NOTE.—It was not until the leaders of
Israel rejected the Messiah and declared
that they had "no king but Caesar" (John
19:15) that Israel ceased to be a theocracy.
"By choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish
nation had withdrawn from the theocracy.
They had rejected God as their king.
Henceforth they had no deliverer. They had
no king but Caesar."—Ilie
Desire of Ages,
pages 737, 738.
4.
In what specific way did God
intend to use Israel as His witness to
the world? Deut. 4:5-8.
NoTE.—Israel was placed at the cross-
roads of the ancient world and equipped
with every facility to become the greatest
nation on the face of the earth. See
Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 288. The Jews were
to reveal to the heathen nations with whom
they were surrounded a superiority in spir-
itual, intellectual, physical, cultural, and
social growth. Israel's religious, govern-
mental, and economic maturity was to
stand out head and shoulders above the
systems of pagan nations. Thus the results
of Jehovah's laws and regulations were to
be seen in a happy, healthy, and holy
society of men. Jehovah's revealed will was
to be manifest in His people as represent-
ing a God of love, mercy, justice, and truth.
5.
What was to be Israel's position
with respect to the nations? Deut.
26:19.
NOTE.—"Had Jerusalem known what it
was her privilege to know, and heeded the
light that Heaven sent her, she would have
stood forth in magnificent prosperity, 'the
queen of kingdoms,' the mighty metropolis
of the earth' (DA 577), and would, like a
noble vine, have filled 'the face of the
world with fruit' (Isa. 27:6). 'Had Israel
as a nation preserved her allegiance to
Heaven, Jerusalem would have stood for-
ever, the elect of God' (GC 19; cf. PK 46;
[ 28
Jer. 7:7;
17:25)."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 4, p. 30.
6.
Illustrate how opportunities were
provided for the rulers of Israel to
witness for God, and with what re-
sults. 1 Kings 10:1-9; 2 Kings 20:
12-15.
NOTE.—Solomon revealed to the Queen
of Sheba both the spiritual and material
treasures of his realm, and she was left
breathless by the spectacle. But Hezekiah
revealed only the treasures of gold. In do-
ing this he lost a glorious opportunity to
give the light of truth to the leaders of
Babylon.
7.
What might have been the des-
tiny of Egypt and Assyria? Isa. 19:
18-25. Compare Jer. 18:7-10.
Israel's Failure to Implement
God's Plan
8.
What circumstances led to Is-
rael's becoming a divided monarchy?
1 Kings 11:29-36. Compare 1 Kings
12:1-16.
9.
How did the Lord lament Is-
rael's failure to carry out His plan?
Isa. 5:1-7. Compare Isa. 27:2, 3, 6.
Promises of Postexilic Glory
10.
While His people were in
Babylonian captivity, what promise
did God make to them? Jer. 31:31-34.
Compare Ezek. 36:21-26; Zech. 1:12-
17; 2:12.
11.
What promises of restoration
were made to Israel and Judah? Jer.
50:4, 5, 17-19; Isa. 27:12, 13.
NOTE.—These precious promises were to
have "met fulfillment in large measure
during the centuries following the return
of the Israelites from the lands of their
captivity. It was God's design that the
whole earth be prepared for the first advent
of Christ, even as today the way is pre-
paring for His second
coming."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 703, 704.
"In spite of Israel's ultimate failure, a
limited knowledge of the true God and of
the Messianic hope was widespread when
the Saviour was born (see on Matt. 2:1).
If the nation had been faithful to its trust
and had appreciated the high destiny re-
served for it by God, the whole earth
would have awaited the coming of the
Messiah with eager expectancy. He would
have come. He would have died, and would
have risen again. Jerusalem would have be-
come a great missionary center (COL 232),
and the earth would have been set ablaze
with the light of truth in one grand, final
appeal to those who had not as yet ac-
cepted the invitation of divine mercy. God's
call to the nations would have been, 'Look
unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of
the earth' (Isa.
45:22)."—SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 4, pp. 29, 30.
Israel Confronts the Messiah
12.
When the Messiah appeared to
save Israel, how did they regard Him?
John 1:11.
NOTE.-"At
the time of the Babylonian
captivity God had specifically announced
that that experience was not to mark 'a
full end' of Israel as God's people (Jer. 4:
27; 5:18; 46:28). But when the Jews re-
jected Christ there was no such assurance
of reinstatement. The present-day return
of the Jews to Palestine and the estab-
lishment of the modern state of Israel do
not imply such a reinstatement, either pres-
ent or future. Whatever the Jews, as a
nation, may do, now or in time to come,
is in no way related to the former promises
made to them. With the crucifixion of
Christ they forever forfeited their special
position as God's chosen people. Any idea
that the return of the Jews to their an-
cestral home, that is, to the new state of
Israel, may in any way be related to Bible
prophecy is . . . without valid Scriptural
[29
1
foundation."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 33.
13.
How will God's original plan
for Israel be realized? Matt. 21:33-43.
Compare 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
NOTE.
-"The
formal rejection of Jesus
by the Jews, as a nation, marked the close
of their last opportunity as the special
agents of God for the salvation of the
world. It was 'last of all' that God 'sent
unto them His Son,' according to Christ's
own words (Matt. 21:37), but they 'caught
Him' and 'slew Him' (v. 39). Thereafter,
God 'let out His vineyard [see Isa. 5:1-7]
unto other husbandmen' who would 'render
Him the fruits in their season.' . . . Upon
His final departure from the sacred pre-
cincts of the Temple, Jesus said, 'Your
house is left unto you desolate' (Matt. 23:
38). The day before, He had called it
'My house' (ch. 21:13), but henceforth He
no longer owned it as His. Jesus' own ver-
dict was, 'The kingdom of God shall be
taken from you, and given to a nation
bringing forth the fruits thereof.'
"-SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 35.
What a lesson for Christians today ! For
we are the "nation" that God has called to
"bring forth the fruits" that Israel should
have borne.
Lesson 9, for November 29, 1969
Prophecies 'Concerning Israel-II
MEMORY VERSE: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in re-
membrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in
the present truth." 2 Peter 1:12.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 27-38; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 593-602; "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 4, pp. 35, 36, and on lesson
texts.
STUDY AIM: To seek a better understanding: (1) of God's destiny for Israel, an-
dent and spiritual, as revealed in Bible prophecy, and (2) of the principles
by which to interpret and apply these prophecies.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
1. Glimpses of Ancient Israel's Glory
1.
Early witnesses for God.
Deut. 34:7-12; 1 Sam. 3:19-21;
Dan. 1:19-21.
2.
The influence of David and
Solomon. 1 Chron. 14:2, 17;
1 Kings 4:21-24, 29-34.
lh
Place of the Christian Church
3.
Messiah's coming foretold.
Isa. 11:1; 53:1-9.
4.
Israel's fate described.
Matt. 22:2-10.
5.
The gospel to all the world.
Matt. 24:14.
III. Prophecies Fulfilled in Spiritual
Israel
6.
Abraham's seed identified.
Gal. 3:29.
7.
An illustration of a principle.
Ezekiel 38; 39; Rev. 20:7-9.
8.
A principle to remember.
1 Cor. 10:11.
9.
Four prophetic categories.
(1) Jeremiah 27; 28; (2) Isa. 9:
6, 7; (3) Dan. 8:14; (4) Jer. 51:64.
10.
Joel's prophecy applied.
Acts 2:16, 17.
IV. Beware of False Prophets
11.
Results of their work. 2 Peter 2:1-3.
12.
Warning against misuse of
Scripture. 2 Peter 3:16.
130
1
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Seventh-day Adventists believe that,
generally speaking, the promises and pre-
dictions given through the Old Testament
prophets originally applied to literal Israel
and were to have been fulfilled to them on
the condition that they obey God and re-
main loyal to Him. But the Scriptures
record the fact that they disobeyed God
and proved disloyal to Him instead. Ac-
cordingly, what He purposed to do for the
world through Israel of old He will finally
accomplish through His church on earth
today, and many of the promises originally
made to Israel will be fulfilled to His
remnant people at the close of
time."—
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, pp. 25, 26.
Glimpses of Ancient Israel's Glory
1.
Who were some of the leaders
through whom the Lord witnessed in
ancient times? Deut. 34:7-12; 1 Sam.
3:19-21; Dan. 1:19-21.
NOTE.—The honor the nation of Israel
failed to achieve was reached at times by
individual Israelites who were faithful to
God.
2.
To what position of eminence
did the Hebrew nation rise in the
days of David and Solomon? 1 Chron.
14:2, 17; 1 Kings 4:21-24, 29-34.
Place of the Christian Church
3.
Cite prophecies linked to the
coming of the Messiah. Isa. 11:1; 53:
1-9.
NOTE.—"These repeated Messianic pre-
dictions were designed to lift the eyes of
the people from the transitory events of
their own time to the coming of Messiah
and the establishment of His eternal king-
dom, in order to afford them a view of the
things of time in the light of eternity. How-
ever, these messages pertaining to the then-
distant future were intended, not only to
inspire patience, comfort, and hope in the
day they were first given, but also to pro-
vide men of Christ's day with confirming
evidence of His Messiahship. The pro-
found conviction that the messages of the
prophets had been fulfilled led many to
believe in Christ as the Son of God
(DA
775, 799). The prophets thus provided a
firm foundation for the faith of the apos-
tolic church and made a direct and vital
contribution to the Christian faith."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 36.
4.
By what parable did Jesus de-
scribe the fate of the nation that re-
jected Him? Matt. 22:2-10.
NoTE.—In parables Christ described Is-
rael's rejection of Himself as the Messiah
and the results of such rejection. "The
kingdom of God shall be taken from you,
and given to a nation bringing forth the
fruits thereof." Matt. 21:43. The Christian
church henceforth would become God's in-
strument to save the world. See 1 Peter
2:9, 10.
5.
How extensive will be the proc-
lamation of the gospel? Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—"The glorious promises originally
made to literal Israel are meeting their
fulfillment today in the proclamation of
"After the tithe is set apart,
let gifts and offerings be ap-
portioned, 'as God hath pros-
pered'
you."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work,
page
130.
En]
the gospel to all men (PK 374, 375; GC
451; Rev. 14:6, 7). 'The blessings thus as-
sured to Israel are, on the same conditions
and in the same degree, assured to every
nation and to every individual under the
broad heavens' (PK 500, 501; cf. 298).
`The church in this generation has been
endowed by God with great privileges and
blessings, and He expects corresponding
returns. . . . In the lives of God's people
the truths of His Word are to reveal their
glory and excellence. Through His people
Christ is to manifest His character and the
principles of His kingdom' (COL 296)
."—
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, pp. 35, 36.
Prophecies Fulfilled in Spiritual
Israel
6.
Through what means may men
become Abraham's seed? Gal. 3:29.
Compare Rom. 2:28, 29; 9:24-26.
NOTE.—"Paul emphasizes the fact that
the rejection of literal Israel as God's chosen
instrument for the salvation of the world
does not mean that individual Jews can
no longer be saved (chs. 9:6; 11:1, 2, 11
15), for he is a Jew himself (chs. 9:3; 10:1;
11:1, 2). But they are to be saved as
Christians and not as
Jews."—SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 35.
7.
Cite an Old Testament prophecy
concerning the future of Israel, and
a New Testament text that reapplies
Ezekiel's prediction. Ezek. 38; 39;
Rev. 20:7-9.
NOTE.—"The prophecy of the battle of
Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38, 39 was
never fulfilled in literal Israel; but John
the revelator assures us that in principle,
though not necessarily in all details (such
as those of Eze. 39:9-15), this battle will
occur at the close of the millennium (Rev.
20:7-9). . . . Where Inspiration has not
thus clearly spoken it is our privilege to
compare scripture with scripture in an
endeavor to understand more perfectly the
mind of the Spirit."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 4, p. 37.
"The fundamental principle by which we
can tell unerringly when any particular
promise or prediction of the Old Testament
made originally to literal Israel is to meet
its fulfillment with respect to spiritual
Israel is—when a
later inspired writer
makes such an application of it."—Ibid.
8.
For what purpose were the ex-
periences of ancient Israel recorded?
1 Cor. 10:11. Compare 1 Cor. 10:1-10;
Rom. 15:4.
NOTE.—"Many are casting contempt
upon the Old Testament Scriptures, but
these are not to lose their sacredness;
throughout all time they are not to be
dropped out of our instruction. Paul writes
concerning the experiences of the people
of God in ancient times, 'All these things
happened unto them for ensamples ; and
they are written for our admonition, upon
whom the ends of the world are come.'
The prophets spoke less for their own time
than for the ages which have followed,
and for our
own day."—Ellen G. White,
Signs of the Times,
April 2, 1896. (Italics
supplied).
9.
Cite and classify various Old
Testament prophecies. (1) Jeremiah
27; 28; (2) Isa. 9:6, 7; (3) Dan. 8:14;
(4) Jer. 51:64. Compare Rev. 18:2, 21.
If you are a Sabbath-school teacher, you will find the Teach-
er's Edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" a great
help because a full blank page is provided for each page of
printed lesson copy for recording answers and additional notes.
Order from your Book and Bible House.
[ 32 ]
NOTE.—The following classification may
be helpful in the study of Old Testament
prophecies:
"1.
Those that grew out of and were
related only to the immediate historical
situation or to events soon to occur. Such
were Jeremiah's acted prophecy of the
wooden and iron yokes (ch. 28), his sym-
bolic purchase of a field near Anathoth
(ch. 32), and his prediction of the death
of the false prophet Hananiah (ch. 28:
15-17). . .
"2.
. . . Those that pointed forward
manifestly and exclusively to events re-
lated to the coming of the Messiah, such
as the prophetic statements of Isa. 9:6,
7; 40:3-5; 53; 61:1-3; Dan. 9; Zech. 9:9;
13:1, 6, 7.
"3.
Those prophecies of the book of
Daniel that deal primarily with historical
events of the remote future, that is, with
the Christian Era and the time of the end,
as specifically stated in the prophecies
themselves (Dan. 2:44; . . . 8:14). . . .
"4.
Those that have a dual application
—first, to a local, historical situation; sec-
ond, to the Messiah and to His Kingdom.
It is the prophecies of this fourth category
that are most likely to be misunderstood
and thus misapplied. Often this is because
of a failure to realize that certain proph-
ecies
do
have a dual aspect."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Deut. 18:15.
10. What application did Peter
make of Joel's prophecy? Acts 2:16,
17. Compare Joel 2:28-32.
Beware of False Prophets
11.
What observation did Peter
make concerning false prophets? 2 Pe-
ter 2:1-3.
12.
Against what misuse of Scrip-
ture did Peter warn? 2 Peter 3:16.
NOTE.—"In an age when every wind of
doctrine is blowing it is well to make
certain that our understanding of Bible
prophecy rests upon a positive 'Thus saith
the Lord.' . . . In so doing we shall be
secure against the fanciful explanations
sometimes given certain Old Testament
prophecies. We shall be protected against
the grossly literal explanation of some ex-
positors concerning a supposed return of
literal Israel to literal Palestine to rule
the world for a thousand years prior to
the close of human probation, and also
against other equally unscriptural inter-
pretations that propose to apply allegor-
ically to the church all the details of the
promises originally made to literal Israel.
Both of these extreme methods wrest the
obvious intent of the Scriptures and render
a sound understanding of the messages of
the prophets for the church today un-
attainable."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol.
4, p. 38.
Lesson 10, for December 6, 1969
Treasures New and Old
MEMORY VERSE:
"Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is in-
structed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an house-
holder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." Matt.
13:52.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 95-114, 124-134; "Christian Ser-
vice,"
pages 7-29; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To seek to discover: (1) in both Old and New Testaments evidences
of inspired revelations of divine truth; (2) the progressive unfolding of truth;
and (3) the results of walking in its light.
[33
]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Great Storehouse of Truth
1.
New treasures and old.
Matt. 13:52.
2.
Jesus accepted Old Testament as
authoritative. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
II. Opening God's Treasure Store
3.
With a desire for knowledge.
Ps. 119:9-16.
4.
To find heavenly treasure.
Matt. 13:44.
5.
For spiritual insight. 1 Cor. 2:14.
6.
With the will to obey.
1 Peter 1:22.
7. With the hope of sanctification.
John 17:17.
III. Receiving and Imparting Truth
8. The truth like mustard seed and
leaven. Luke 13:18-21.
9. Eating and drinking God's truth.
John 6:32-35.
10. Receiving and imparting.
John 6:5-13.
IV. Advancing in the Light
11. With opening understanding.
Eph. 1:15-19.
12. In the path of the just.
Prov. 4:18.
13. Cleansing from all sin.
1 John 1:7.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The treasure gained by the householder
he does not hoard. He brings it forth to
communicate to others. And by use the
treasure increases. The householder has
precious things both new and old. So Christ
teaches that the truth committed to His
disciples is to be communicated to the
world. And as the knowledge of truth is
imparted, it will increase."-Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 124.
The Great Storehouse of Truth
1. From what source does the
householder bring forth "things new
and old"? Matt. 13:52.
Nors.-"The great storehouse of truth
is the Word of God-the Written Word,
the book of nature, and the book of ex-
perience in God's dealing with human life.
Here are the treasures from which Christ's
workers are to
draw."-Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 125.
"By the 'old,' Christ refers to all the
will of God as revealed 'in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets' (Heb. 1:1.
. .). By the 'new,' He refers to His own
teachings (see Heb. 1.•2
).
"It is important to note that neither
upon this occasion nor at any other time
did Jesus depreciate the value of the OT
Scriptures or even suggest that in the
future they were to have less force. . . .
The OT is not invalidated by the NT, but
amplified and given new life. Both were
inspired by Christ and both are full of
truth for the sincere seeker."-SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Matt. 13:52.
2.
How did Jesus show that He
accepted the authority of the Old
Testament Scriptures? Matt. 4:4, 7,
10. Compare Deut. 8:3 (last part);
Ps. 17:4.
Opening God's Treasure Store
3.
In what manner are we to relate
ourselves to divine revelation? Ps.
119:9-16. Compare Ps. 19:9, 10.
4.
How did Christ illustrate the
search for, and discovery of, heavenly
treasure? Matt. 13:44. Compare
verses 45, 46.
L34
]
NorE.—"This parable illustrates the value
of the heavenly treasure, and the effort
that should be made to secure it. The
finder of the treasure in the field was ready
to part with all that he had, ready to put
forth untiring labor, in order to secure
the hidden riches. So the finder of heavenly
treasure will count no labor too great and
no sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the
treasures of truth.
"In the parable the field containing the
treasure represents the Holy Scriptures.
And the gospel is the treasure. The earth
itself is not so interlaced with golden
veins and filled with precious things as is
the Word of
God."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 104.
5.
Why are the things of the
Spirit unappreciated by some? 1 Cor.
2:14. Compare 2 Cor. 4:3; John 3:
19-21; 9:39-41.
6.
What effect is seen in the life of
one who obeys the truth? 1 Peter
1:22.
NorE.—"While your minds become sanc-
tified by obedience to the truth," is Mur-
dock's translation (Syriac New Testa-
ment). Willingness to do what God says is
a prerequisite to receiving the life-giving
benefits of God's Word. Having learned
the truth it is essential to act upon it at
once. See Acts 8:27-38.
7.
In His prayer how did Jesus
indicate that His disciples are to be
sanctified? John 17:17. Compare Matt.
7:15-20.
NOTE.—"The Bible is the standard by
which to test the claims of all who pro-
fess sanctification. Jesus prayed that His
disciples might be sanctified through the
truth, and He says, 'Thy Word is truth;'
while the psalmist declares, 'Thy law is
the truth.' All whom God is leading will
manifest a high regard for the Scriptures
in which His voice is heard. . . . 'Ye shall
know them by their fruits.' We need no
other evidence in order to judge of men's
sanctification; if they are fearful lest they
shall not obey the whole will of God, if
they are listening diligently to His voice,
trusting in His wisdom, and making His
Word the man of their counsel, then,
while they make no boasts of superior
goodness, we may be sure that they are
seeking to attain to perfection of Chris-
tian character. But if the claimants of
holiness even intimate that they are no
longer required to search the Scriptures, we
need not hesitate to pronounce their sanc-
tification spurious. They are leaning to
their own understanding, instead of con-
forming to the will of God."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
5,
p. 1147.
Receiving and Imparting. Truth
8.
With what common things did
Jesus illustrate the truths He taught?
Luke 13:18-21. Compare. Matt. 13:33.
NOTE.—"The leaven hidden in the flour
works invisibly to bring the whole mass
under its leavening process; so the leaven
of truth works secretly, silently, steadily,
to transform the soul. The natural incli-
nations are softened and subdued. New
thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are
implanted. A new standard of character is
set up—the life of Christ. The mind is
changed; the faculties are roused to action
in new lines. Man is not endowed with new
faculties, but the faculties he has are sancti-
fied. The conscience is awakened. We are
endowed with traits of character that en-
able us to do service for
God.."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 98, 99.
"If you fail ninety-nine times
in a hundred, but succeed in
saving the one soul from
ruin, you have done a noble
deed for the Master's cause."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 132.
351
9.
What did Jesus declare Himself
and the truths He taught to be? John
6:32-35.
NoTE.—" 'I am the bread of life,' the
Author, Nourisher, and Supporter of eter-
nal, spiritual life. . . . To eat His flesh
and to drink His blood means to receive
Him as a heaven-sent teacher. Belief in
Him is essential to spiritual life. . . .
"It is not enough for us to know and
respect the words of the Scriptures. We
must enter into the understanding of them,
studying them earnestly, eating the flesh
and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
Christians will reveal the degree to which
they do this by the healthiness of their
spiritual character. We must know the
practical application of the Word to our
own individual character-building. We are
to be holy temples, in which God can live
and walk and work. Never must we strive
to lift ourselves above the servants whom
God has chosen to do His work and to
honor His holy name. 'All ye are brethren.'
Let us apply this Word to our individual
selves, comparing scripture with scripture."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1135.
10.
How did Jesus feed the hungry
multitudes? John 6:5-13.
NOTE.—"In Christ's act of supplying the
temporal necessities of a hungry multitude
is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for
all His workers. Christ received from the
Father; He imparted to the disciples; they
imparted to the multitude; and the people
to one another. So all who are united to
Christ will receive from Him the bread of
life, the heavenly food, and impart it to
others."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 369.
"Do we receive the Bible as
`the oracle of God'? It is as
really a divine communica-
tion as though its words came
to us in an audible voice."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 533.
Advancing in the Light
11.
What wish did Paul express on
behalf of the Ephesian believers? Eph.
1:15-19.
NoTE.—"In eternity we shall learn that
which, had we received the enlightenment
that it was possible to obtain here, would
have opened our understanding. . . . For-
ever and forever new views of the perfection
and glory of Christ will appear. Through
endless ages the faithful Householder will
bring forth from His treasures things new
and old."—My
Life Today,
page 360.
12.
How did the wise man describe
the path of the just? Prov. 4:18. Com-
pare John 8:12.
NoTE.—New light will never contradict
old light. It is not independent of old
light but often an unfolding of it. Some-
times what is called "new light" is simply
a rediscovery of an old truth, "new" to
the student, which may have been lost
sight of for a time. The Bible is a center
of light and, sun-like, its reserves of radiant
knowledge are inexhaustible.
13.
What is the result of walking
in the light? 1 John 1:7.
NoTE.—"If we walk in the light we
walk with God, from whom the light shines,
and have fellowship not only with Him
but also with all others who are following
the Lord. Serving the same God, believing
the same truths, following the same in-
structions on the pathway of life, we can-
not fail to walk in unity. The slightest sign
of ill will between us and our brethren
should make us review our own conduct,
to be sure that we are not veering away
from the lighted path of life."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on 1 John 1:7.
[
36
]
Lesson 11, for December 13, 1969
Responsibilities of Bible Study
MEMORY VERSE:
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun
profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
2 Tim. 2:15, 16.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 110, 111; "Counsels on Sabbath
School Work," pages 33-37; "The Desire of Ages," page 154; "Selected
Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 44, 161, 162, 196; Bk. 2, pp. 102-104, 110, 113, 238;
"Testimonies," Vol. 3, p. 194; Vol. 5, pp. 698-711; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover how the Bible can help develop mature Christians and
protect God's people from fanaticism.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Ignorance of Scripture
1.
Sadducees' teaching unscriptural.
Matt. 22:23-33.
2.
Disciples knew not the Scriptures.
John 20:9.
3.
A famine for God's Word.
Amos 8:11, 12.
4.
Destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:6.
5.
A willing ignorance.
2 Peter 3:3-5.
II. Misinterpreting Scripture
6. Movement to make Christ king.
John 6:14, 15.
7. Cleansing of the sanctuary.
Dan. 8:14.
III. Wresting the Scriptures
8. Bible reading without profit.
2 Peter 3:15, 16.
9. Hold to the truth t
2 Peter 3:17, 18.
IV. The Unfolding Scriptures
10. God's Word a light.
Ps. 119:105.
11. The Spirit the Revealer.
1 Cor. 2:10, 11.
V. Habits of Scripture Study
12. The example of the Bereans.
Acts 17:11.
13. Manna each day for Israel.
Ex. 16:4.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"When faith in God's Word is lost, the
soul has no guide, no safeguard. The
youth are drawn into paths which lead
away from God and from everlasting life.
"To this cause may in great degree be
attributed the widespread iniquity in our
world today. When the Word of God is
set aside, its power to restrain the evil
passions of the natural heart is rejected."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 41.
Ignorance of Scripture
1. Why did the Sadducees err in
the understanding of spiritual mat-
ters? Matt. 22:23-33.
NOTE.—"He [Jesus] did not charge them,
as He had charged the Pharisees, with
hypocrisy, but with error of belief.
[
37]
"The Sadducees had flattered themselves
that they of all men adhered most strictly
to the Scriptures. But Jesus showed that
they had not known their true meaning.
That knowledge must be brought home to
the heart by the enlightenment of the Holy
Spirit. Their ignorance of the Scriptures
and the power of God He declared to be
the cause of their confusion of faith and
darkness of mind."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 605, 606.
2.
What shows that the disciples
did not always understand and readily
grasp the Scriptures? John 20:9. Com-
pare Luke 24:25.
NOTE
.—The disciples were sometimes
dull of understanding and did not grasp
divine ideas, for example, that Christ must
suffer and die and rise from the dead.
Even the character of Christ's mission of
grace they did not appreciate fully until
after Pentecost. Doubt and unbelief and
fear plagued them. All of this was as-
sociated with their ignorance of the Scrip-
tures and preconceived ideas that pre-
vented them from grasping the truth as
Christ taught it to them. This was why
they were so terribly disappointed at the
cross.
3.
What prediction did Amos
make? Amos 8:11, 12.
NorE.—"Those who had not prized God's
Word were hurrying to and fro, wandering
from sea to sea, and from the north to the
east, to seek the Word of the Lord. Said
the angel, 'They shall not find it. There is
a famine in the land; not a famine of
bread, nor a thirst for water, but for hear-
ing the words of the Lord. What would
they not give for one word of approval
"Every day some portion of
time should be appropriated
to the study of the lessons."
—Counsels on Sabbath
School Work,
page 53.
from God! but no, they must hunger and
thirst on. Day after day have they slighted
salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly
pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure
or inducement. They have rejected Jesus
and despised His saints. The filthy must re-
main filthy forever.'
"—Early Writings,
pages 281, 282.
4.
Why were God's ancient people,
Israel, destroyed? Hosea 4:6. Com-
pare 8:12.
Nor.—"The greatest ignorance that now
curses the human race is in regard to the
binding claims of the law of God; and
this ignorance is the result of neglecting
the study of the Word of God. It is Satan's
determined plan to so engage and absorb
the mind, that God's great guidebook shall
not be the Book of books, and that the
sinner may not be led from the path of
transgression to the path of obedience."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page
131.
5.
What attitude did Peter say
would be expressed by many toward
revealed truth? 2 Peter 3:3-5. Com-
pare Jude 17-19.
NOTE.—Those "who scoff at religion and
live self-indulgent lives" (NEB), the shoul-
der-shruggers of our time and wishful
thinkers, point to the uniformity of natural
processes and argue against the Bible teach-
ing of a cataclysmic second coming of
Christ on the grounds that "everything
continues exactly as it has always been
since the world began." NEB. But the
same word of God which called forth the
earth in the beginning and established the
laws of the natural world has proclaimed
a second advent of Christ (In the midst of
the convulsion of nature), and it will be
fulfilled !
Misinterpreting Scripture
6.
After the miracle of the loaves,
what did certain men seek to do with
Jesus? John 6:14, 15.
[88]
NoTE.—The Jewish expectation of a
Messiah-deliverer who would liberate their
nation from Rome and exalt it to world
dominion was based on the belief that the
covenant promises of the Old Testament
were to be fulfilled unconditionally, that
is, irrespective of whether they as a people
complied with the conditions upon which
the covenant promises had been made.
Even the disciples were blinded by the pop-
ular failure to recognize the conditional
nature of these promises of national great-
ness. As a result, the disciples now united
in the plan of the multitude to make Jesus
king, in the expectation that He would
liberate Israel from Rome. But Christ dis-
missed them, and then the multitude, and
quietly withdrew to the mountain.
The disappointment of the disciples at
the death of Christ (Luke 24:21) likewise
came about as the result of their failure to
understand and properly apply Old Testa-
ment prophecies.
7.
What was to be cleansed at the
end of the 2,300 days? Dan. 8:14.
NoTE.—The prophecy of the cleansing of
the sanctuary in Daniel 8:14, the early
Adventists believed to have reference to
the second advent. "But the appointed
time had passed, and the Lord had not
appeared. The- believers knew that God's
Word could not fail; their interpretation
of the prophecy must be at fault; but
where was the mistake
?"—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 409.
"In their investigation they learned that
there is no Scripture evidence sustaining
the popular view that the earth is the
sanctuary; but they found in the Bible a
full explanation of the subject of the sanc-
tuary, its nature, location, and services; the
testimony of the sacred writers being so
clear and ample as to place the matter be-
yond all question."—Ibid., p. 411.
Wresting the Scriptures
8.
What did Peter say some had
done with Paul's writings? 2 Peter
3:15, 16.
NoTE.—"There are many things ap-
parently difficult or obscure, which God
will make plain and simple to those who
thus seek an understanding of them. But
without the guidance of the Holy Spirit
we shall be continually liable to wrest the
Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There
is much reading of the Bible that is with-
out profit, and in many cases a positive
injury. When the Word of God is opened
without reverence and without prayer;
when the thoughts and affections are not
fixed upon God, or in harmony with His
will, the mind is clouded with doubts;
and in the very study of the Bible, skepti-
cism strengthens. The enemy takes control
of the thoughts, and he suggests interpre-
tations that are not correct. Whenever
men are not in word and deed seeking to
be in harmony with God, then, however
learned they may be, they are liable to err
in their understanding of Scripture, and
it is not safe to trust to their explanations.
Those who look to the Scriptures to find
discrepancies, have not spiritual insight.
With distorted vision they will see many
causes for doubt and unbelief in things
that are really plain and simple."—Steps
to
Christ,
pages 110, 111.
9.
What warning does Peter give
those who know of the dangers of
being led astray? 2 Peter 3:17, 18.
The Unfolding. Scriptures
10.
What is God's Word declared
to be? Ps. 119:105.
H. Who is the Revealer of the deep
things of God? 1 Cor. 2:10, 11. Com-
pare John 16:13, 14.
NoTE.—"God intends that even in this
life the truths of His Word shall be ever
unfolding to His people. There is only one
way in which this knowledge can be ob-
tained. We can attain to an
understanding
[39]
of God's Word only through the illumi-
nation of that Spirit by which the Word
was given. 'The things of God knoweth
no man, but the Spirit of God;' for the
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep
things of God.' 1 Corinthians 2:11, 10. And
the Saviour's promise to His followers was,
'When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,
He will guide you into all truth. . . . For
He shall receive of Mine, and shall show
it unto you.' John 16:13,
14."—Steps to
Christ,
page 109.
Habits of Scripture Study
12. How often did the Bereans
study the Bible? Acts 17:11.
NOTE.—The Bereans "examined" (RSV)
the Scriptures daily. So should we
examine
them, verse by verse, studying each part
carefully. Words and expressions should
be studied to find the author's intent and
meaning. Questions should be asked, for
example: "Why did the sacred writer put
it just this way ?" "What is meant by this
expression?" The context in which every
statement occurs must be determined and
studied by the reader if a correct under-
standing is to be reached.
13. How often did God give manna
to feed Israel?
Ex. 16:4.
Compare Ps.
78:24, 25; Rev. 2:17.
NorE.—"Are all the members of your
church seeking to gather fresh
manna every
morning and evening? Are you seeking di-
vine enlightenment? or are you devising
means whereby you can glorify yourselves?
Are you, with your whole soul, might,
mind, and strength, loving and serving God
in blessing others around you by leading
them to the Light of the
world?"—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 5, p. 486.
Lesson 12, for December 20, 1969
The Scriptures and My Life
MEMORY VERSE:
"It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
STUDY HELPS:
"Child Guidance," page 507; "Counsels on Sabbath School Work,"
pages 17-23; "The Great Controversy," chapter 37; "Messages to Young
People," pages 253-264, 105-113; "Steps to Christ," chapter, "A Knowledge
of God"; "Selected Messages," Bk. 2, p. 39.
STUDY AIM:
To discover how the Bible may touch the total life of man and the
power it has to regenerate the spiritual life.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Intellectual Life and the Word
1. Understanding for man's mind.
Ps. 119:130.
2.
Limits to man's understanding.
Job 11:7-9.
II. The Practical Life and the Word
3.
Physical toil and man's well-being.
Gen. 3 :17-19 ; 1 Thess. 4:11, 12.
1
40
4.
Provisions for social equality.
Num. 26:55, 56; Lev. 25:23.
5.
The care of the poor and lowly.
Deut. 15:7, 8, 11; 24:14, 15, 19.
6.
Acknowledging God's blessings.
Mal. 3:10-12.
Ill. The Spiritual Life and the Word
7.
Physical bread for the multitude.
John 6:25-27.
8.
Spiritual bread for all.
John 6:48-58.
9.
Eating His words. John 6:63.
10.
Spiritual life only in Christ.
John 6:66-69.
IV. Eternal Life and the Word
11.
Earnest desire for the Word.
1 Peter 2:2.
12.
Receiving God's Word. rames 1:21.
13.
God's blessed man.
James 1:22-27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The life of Christ that gives life to the
world is in His word. It was by His word
that Jesus healed disease and cast out de-
mons; by His word He stilled the sea, and
raised the dead; and the people bore wit-
ness that His word was with power. He
spoke the word of God, as He had spoken
through all the prophets and teachers of
the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a
manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour
desired to fix the faith of His followers
on the Word. When His visible presence
should be withdrawn, the Word must be
their source of power. Like their master,
they were to live 'by every word that pro-
ceedeth out of the mouth of God.' Matt.
4:4."-The Desire of Ages,
page 390.
The Intellectual Life and the Word
1. What precious gift is imparted
by the entrance of God's words? Ps.
119: 130. Compare Ps. 119:104; 19:7.
not but expand and strengthen."-Educa-
tion, page 124.
2. What limits did one of Job's
friends point out in man's search for
God? Job 11:7-9.
NorE.-"To acknowledge that we cannot
fully comprehend the great truths of the
Bible is only to admit that the finite mind
is inadequate to grasp the infinite; that
man, with his limited, human knowledge,
cannot understand the purposes of Om-
niscience.. .
"It is right to study closely the teachings
of the Bible and to search into 'the deep
things of God' so far as they are revealed
in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:10. While 'the
secret things belong unto the Lord our
God,' those things which are revealed be-
long unto us.' Deuteronomy 29:29. But it
is Satan's work to pervert the investigative
powers of the
mind."-Steps to Christ,
page 108.
The Practical Life and the Word
NOTE.-"As
a means of intellectual train-
ing, the Bible is more effective than any
other book, or all other books combined.
The greatness of its themes, the dignified
simplicity of its utterances, the beauty of
its imagery, quicken and uplift the thoughts
as nothing else can. No other study can
impart such mental power as does the
effort to grasp the stupendous truths of
revelation. The mind thus brought in con-
tact with the thoughts of the Infinite can-
3. What practical lessons concern-
ing physical work are taught in God's
Word? Gen. 3:17-19; 1 Thess. 4:11,
12. Compare 1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 24:
30-34.
NoTE.-"In
the sweat of thy face.
The
arduous toil that was to add to man's
burdensome life is now vividly expressed.
[
41]
This refers specifically to the husbandman,
who must live by forcing from a reluctant
earth food for himself and his family, but
it applies equally to all other vocations.
Since Adam's fall human achievement may
be realized only through toil. Nevertheless,
it should be recognized that this punish-
ment was indeed a blessing in disguise for
sinful beings. When a man works he is
far less likely to sin than when he spends
his days in idleness. Toil and labor develop
character and teach man humility and co-
operation with God. This is one reason why
the Christian church has generally found its
most loyal adherents and supporters among
the laboring class. Work, even when ardu-
ous, should not be despised; 'a blessing is
in it.'
"—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Gen.
3:19.
4. What principle of land distribu-
tion did God
give
to ancient Israel?
Num. 26:55, 56; Lev. 25:23.
NOTE.—"By the special direction of God
the land had been divided by lot. After
the division was made no one was at
liberty to trade his estate. Neither was he
to sell his land unless poverty compelled
him to do so, and then, whenever he or
any of his kindred might desire to redeem
it, the purchaser must not refuse to sell it;
and if unredeemed, it would revert to its
first possessor or his heirs in the year of
jubilee....
"The Lord would place a check upon the
inordinate love of property and power.
Great evils would result from the con-
tinued accumulation of wealth by one
class, and the poverty and degradation of
another. Without some restraint the power
of the wealthy would become a monopoly,
and the poor, though in every respect fully
as worthy in God's sight, would be regarded
and treated as inferior to their more pros-
perous brethren. The sense of this oppres-
sion would arouse the passions of the
poorer class. There would be a feeling of
despair and desperation which would tend
to demoralize society and open the door to
crimes of every description. The regula-
tions that God established were designed
to promote social equality. The provisions
of the sabbatical year and the jubilee
would, in a great measure, set right that
which during the interval had gone wrong
in the social and political economy of the
nation."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page
534.
5.
How did God provide for the
care of the poor? Deut. 15:7, 8, 11;
24:14, 15, 19. Compare Gal. 6:2.
6.
In what tangible way should all
acknowledge God's ownership of ma-
terial things? Mal. 3:10-12. Compare
Lev. 27:30.
The Spiritual Life and the Word
7.
For what reason did Jesus say
the people sought Him? John 6:25-27.
8.
How did the Jews misunderstand
Christ's words about giving them His
flesh to eat? John 6:48-58.
NOTE.—To the Jews and to some of His
disciples Jesus' affirmation was "a hard
saying." But Jesus was making plain the
same fact that He was to teach in the
institution of the Lord's Supper—namely,
that He was Himself the answer to man's
spiritual hunger. And He would use what-
ever symbols could best portray His per-
sonal power to satisfy the hungry souls
of men.
9.
How did Jesus explain His state-
ment about eating His flesh and drink-
ing His blood? John 6:63. Compare
Jer. 15:16; Job 23:12.
NcrrE.—"By looking constantly to Jesus
with the eye of faith, we shall be strength-
ened. God will make the most precious
(427
revelations to His hungering, thirsting peo-
ple. They will find that Christ is a personal
Saviour. As they feed upon His Word, they
find that it is spirit and life. The Word
destroys the natural, earthly nature, and
imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The
Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Com-
fo terBy'llre-transfoxin
agency of His
raee,_the_irna of God is reproduced in
the disciple; he
Arnea new creature.
Love takes the place of hatred, and the
heart receives the divine similitude. This
is what it means to live 'by every word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.'
This is eating the Bread that comes down
from heaven."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
391.
10. When many of the disciples
forsook Christ, what did He ask the
Twelve? What was Peter's reply?
John 6:66-69.
NOTE.-" 'To whom shall we go?' Not
from the teaching of Christ, His lessons of
love and mercy, to the darkness of un-
belief, the wickedness of the world. While
the Saviour was forsaken by many who
had witnessed His wonderful works, Peter
expressed the faith of the disciples,—`Thou
art that Christ.' The very thought of losing
this anchor of their souls filled them with
fear and pain. To be destitute of a Saviour
was to be adrift on a dark and stormy
sea."—The Desire of Ages,
page 393.
Eternal Life and the Word
11.
How eagerly should we desire
"the sincere milk of the Word"?
1 Peter 2:2.
12.
In what spirit should the Word
of God be received? What is the
Word of God able to do for us?
James 1:21.
13.
What man is said to be blessed
in his deeds? James 1:22-27.
NOTE.
-"
[James 1:23-27 quoted.] This
is the word of the living God. The law is
God's great moral looking glass. Man is to
compare his words, his spirit, his actions
with the Word of God. . . . True religion
means living the Word in your practical
life. Your profession is not of any value
without the practical doing of the Word."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 935.
Lesson 13, for December 27, 1969
Triumph of the Scriptures
MEMORY VERSE:
"The
grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our
God shall stand forever." Isa. 40:8.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 15; "Daniel and the Revelation,"
pages 529-542 (1944 revised edition, pages 531-547); "The SDA Bible Com-
mentary."
STUDY AIM: To discover why the Bible has survived the bitterest attacks of its
enemies and why it will endure to the close of time.
43]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Power and Endurance of God's Word
1.
Power in God's Word.
Heb. 4:12.
2.
Enduring qualities. Isa. 40:8.
II. God's Word Tested
3.
A prophetic symbol.
Rev. 11:3 (first part), 4.
4.
Appearance of the witnesses.
Rev. 11:3 (second part).
5.
Their great power and influence.
Rev. 11:5, 6.
III. The Two Witnesses in
Sackcloth
6.
The enemy of the witnesses.
Rev. 11:7.
7.
Struggle and warfare.
Rev. 11:8-10.
IV. The Two Witnesses Exalted
8.
Their "resurrection."
Rev. 11:9, 11.
9.
Their glorification. Rev. 11:12.
V. God's Witnesses and the Final
Message
10.
God's last message.
Rev. 14:6-12.
11.
The earth lightened. Rev. 18:1.
12.
Examples for us. 1 Cor. 10:11, 12.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The infidel Voltaire once boastingly
said: 'I am weary of hearing people repeat
that twelve men established the Christian
religion. I will prove that one man may
suffice to overthrow it.' Generations have
passed since his death. Millions have joined
in the war upon the Bible. But it is so far
from being destroyed, that where there
were a hundred in Voltaire's time, there are
now ten thousand, yes, a hundred thousand
copies of the Book of God. In the words
of an early Reformer concerning the Chris-
tian church, 'The Bible is an anvil that has
worn out many hammers.' Saith the Lord:
'No weapon that is formed against thee
shall prosper ; and every tongue that shall
rise against thee in judgment thou shalt
condemn.' Isaiah
54:17."-The Great Con-
troversy,
page 288.
Power and Endurance of
God's Word
1. How is the power of God's
Word described? Heb. 4:12. Compare
Jer. 23:29.
2.
How long will the Word of God
endure? Isa. 40:8. Compare Ps. 111:
7, 8.
God's Word Tested
3.
What prophetic symbol is in-
troduced by the angel in the book of
Revelation? Rev. 11:3 (first part), 4.
Compare Zech. 4:1-6, 11-14.
NOTE.
-"Inasmuch
as the fullest expres-
sion of the Holy Spirit to men is con-
tained in the Scriptures of the OT and the
NT, they may be considered to be the two
witnesses."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Rev. 11:3.
"The two witnesses represent the Scrip-
tures of the Old and the New Testament.
Both are important testimonies to the ori-
gin and perpetuity of the law of God. Both
are witnesses also to the plan of salvation.
The types, sacrifices, and prophecies of the
Old Testament point forward to a Saviour
to come. The Gospels and Epistles of the
New Testament tell of a Saviour who has
1
44
come in the exact manner foretold by type
and prophecy."—The
Great Controversy,
page 267.
4.
For how long were the two wit-
nesses to prophecy in sackcloth? With
what were they clothed? Rev. 11:3
(second part).
NOTE.—The twelve hundred sixty sym-
bolic days or literal years (Ezek. 4:6;
Num. 14:34) are mentioned several times
in the prophecies of Daniel and the Reve-
lation (see Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:6;
13:5). Protestant commentators have iden-
tified this prophetic period with the his-
torical dates 538-1798, when the papacy
dominated Western Europe and the Word
of God was dishonored by the church of
Rome and was thus, figuratively, dressed in
sackcloth.
"During the greater part of this period,
God's witnesses remained in a state of
obscurity. The papal power sought to hide
from the people the Word of truth, and
set before them false witnesses to contradict
its testimony. . . . When the Bible was
proscribed by religious and secular author-
ity; . . . then the faithful witnesses proph-
esied in sackcloth. Yet they continued their
testimony throughout the entire period of
1,260 years. In the darkest times there were
faithful men who loved God's Word and
were jealous for His honor. To these loyal
servants were given wisdom, power, and
authority to declare His truth during the
whole of this time."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
pages 267, 268.
5.
What power did the witnesses
have over their enemies? Rev. 11:5, 6.
Compare Rev. 22:19.
NOTE.—"All who exalt their own opinions
above divine revelation, all who would
change the plain meaning of Scripture to
suit their own convenience, or for the sake
of conforming to the world, are taking
upon themselves a fearful responsibility.
The Written Word, the law of God, will
measure the character of every man, and
condemn all whom this unerring test shall
declare wanting."—The
Great Controversy,
page 268.
The Two Witnesses in Sackcloth
6.
Who is said to make war against
the two witnesses? Rev. 11:7.
NOTE.—"Commentators identify this
beast as a power that would seek to de-
stroy the Scriptures (symbolized by the
two witnesses) at the close of the 1,260-
day period, in A.D. 1798. . . . Inasmuch as
atheism was particularly popular in France
at this time, and the anti-religious spirit of
the day naturally militated against the
use of and belief in Scripture, the First
French Republic has been identified as the
beast of the present passage."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Rev. 11:7.
7.
What disrespect was shown to
the two witnesses? Rev. 11:8-10.
NOTE.—"It has been Rome's policy, un-
der a profession of reverence for the Bible,
to keep it locked up in an unknown tongue
and hidden away from the people. Under
her rule the witnesses prophesied, 'clothed
in sackcloth.' But another power—the
beast from the bottomless pit—was to
arise to make open, avowed war upon the
Word of
God."—The Great Controversy,
page 269.
The use of the words "Egypt" and
"Sodom" and "great city" is symbolic and
characterized the licentiousness and athesim
of France during the Revolution when the
Word of God and religion were despised
by the government of the First French
Republic, when "Reason" was enthroned
as Deity and a profligate woman was wor-
shiped as her symbol.
"Receive into the soul by
faith the incorruptible seed
of the Word, and it will
bring forth a character and
a life after the similitude of
the character and the life of
God."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 38.
45
The Two Witnesses Exalted
8.
What is said concerning the "res-
urrection" of the two witnesses? Rev.
11:9, 11.
NOTE.—"In harmony with the principle
of prophetic interpretation, that a day
stands for a year,'three days and an half'
would be equivae
nt to three years and a
half. Seventh-day Adventists, who generally
understand the beast of v. 7 to represent
the First French Republic (1789 to 1801),
especially in terms of its anti-religious bias,
find this prophecy fulfilled during that
brief period in French revolutionary history
when atheism was at its height. This period
may be reckoned from November 26, 1793,
when a decree, issued in Paris, abolished
religion, to June 17, 1797, when, it is held,
the French government removed restric-
tions against the practice of religion."—
SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 11:9.
"It was in 1793 that the decrees which
abolished the Christian religion and set
aside the Bible passed the French Assembly.
Three years and a half later a resolution
rescinding these decrees, thus granting tol-
eration to the Scriptures, was adopted by
the same body. The world stood aghast at
the enormity of guilt which had resulted
from a rejection of the Sacred Oracles, and
men recognized the necessity of faith in
God and His Word as the foundation of
virtue and morality."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 287.
9.
How great was to be the ex-
altation of the witnesses? Rev. 11:12.
NOTE.—"This exaltation of the witnesses
has been understood as symbolizing the re-
markable popularity that the Scriptures
have enjoyed since the early 19th century.
Soon after the French Revolution various
national Bible societies were established.
Particularly notable among these were the
British and Foreign Bible Society, founded
in 1804, and the American Bible Society,
organized in 1816. These societies, with
others, have circulated the Scriptures
throughout the world in more than 1,000
languages. Thus in the last century and a
half, the Bible, rather than being relegated
to oblivion as a spiritual guide, has come
to enjoy its widest circulation.
"Ascended . . . in a cloud.
As Jesus bade
His disciples farewell, a cloud 'received Him
out of their sight' (Acts 1:9). So also the
two witnesses are carried to heaven in a
cloud. The figure fittingly describes the
exaltation of the Scriptures in the period
following their suppression in France."—
SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 11:12.
God's Witnesses and the Final
Message
10.
What messages did the prophet
hear the three angels proclaim? Rev.
14:6-12. Compare 1 Peter 1:25.
NOTE.—The Word of God endures for-
ever. Seventh-day Adventists proclaim these
three angels' messages. Here the testimony
of the two witnesses is heard speaking
forth the gospel tidings in the setting of
the judgment-hour message. This we may
regard as the climactic act of God in the
exaltation of the two witnesses.
11.
What happened when another
angel came down from heaven? Rev.
18:1.
NoTE.—The entire world is lightened with
the glory of truth shining from the pro-
phetic Scriptures, and many heed the call
of the angel of Revelation 18:1-4 to come
out of Babylon and join the remnant peo-
ple of God in their march to the Holy City.
12.
What important truth did the
apostle Paul emphasize? 1 Cor. 10:
11, 12.
NOTE.—Phillips translates verse 11 as fol-
lows: "Now these things which happened to
our ancestors are illustrations of the way in
which God works, and they were written
down to be a warning to us who are the
heirs of the ages which have gone before
us."
(
46]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 20, 1969
Southern Asia Division
Southern Asia is not only the home of several powerful non-Christian
religions, it is the birthplace of two of the most aggressive of these;
namely, Hinduism and Buddhism. For centuries, even millenniums, the
views of life offered by these religions have cast their spell over the hun-
dreds of millions of people who live in these lands and have made it
extremely difficult for the gospel to penetrate.
Of late, however, the Spirit of God is being poured out in unprece-
dented measure, and we are beginning to see each year hundreds accepting
Christianity. One of the agencies of the church in meeting the challenge of
spreading the gospel has been its educational system, which in mission
fields is open to the public. This avenue in Southern Asia has accounted
for almost one third of all baptisms through the years of our endeavor.
The overflow this quarter will be used to supply additional dormitory
space for the students at Spicer Memorial College and to modernize and
improve the Lasalgaon High School. Part of the overflow will also be used
for new church buildings. These are all urgent needs. Southern Asia is
counting on fellow believers around the world to come to her aid at this
time. Make your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering a real Christmas sacrifice
offering.
Lessons for the First Quarter of 1970
Beginning with the first quarter of 1970 the senior Sabbath School lessons will
appear in a different format than has been used for many years in the past. One
page of the quarterly will be devoted to the material for one day's study. Each
lesson will be divided into six sections. Those who have not yet received a copy of
the first quarter's
Quarterly
will be helped in the study of the first lesson by this
outline:
1.
The New Name. Luke 11:2; Matt. 10:29-31; Mal. 3:17; 1 John 4:8-10.
2.
The Father Revealed in Christ. John 14:8-10; Rom. 5:5; Gal. 4:6; Matt. 11:27;
John 14:6.
3.
The Privilege of Sonship. 1 John 3:1, 2; John 1:12, 13.
4.
The Discipline of Sonship. Heb. 12:5-7, 11.
5.
The Father's Love. Rom. 8:35-39; John 10:29, 30; 2 Cor. 5:14.
6.
Approaching the Father. John 4:23, 24; Heb. 4:16; Heb. 10:22.
[ 47 ]